native american symbols

Many different symbols are found in Southwestern jewelry.  Below is a list of commonly seen symbols in Native American jewelry along with the meaning behind them.

arrow

​An arrow is representative of war.

arrowhead

Arrowheads are an integral part of the tribe's survival.  Arrowheads also represent alertness and direction.

bear

Bears represent strength, courage and leadership in Native American culture. A bear is the centerpiece of this magnificent Navajo belt buckle by Dennis Kalisteo
Ornate grizzly bear belt buckle set with a tooth, claws, black onyx and lab created rubies

The bear is a sacred animal in Native American culture.  Bears represent physical strength, courage, and leadership.

bear claw

Vintage bear claw, turquoise and red coral ring by Southwestern Navajo artisan, Emma Cowboy
Handmade bear claw ring set with turquoise and red coral

Whenever a bear is killed, the entire animal is used.  Bear claws were often worn as a symbol of protection, and to show respect for the sacred animal.

Broken Arrow

While an arrow is symbolic of war, a broken arrow represents peace.

brotherhood

The symbol of brotherhood represents the loyalty between two people, or two tribes.

buffalo

The buffalo is another sacred animal in Native American culture.  Buffalos were a primary source of food, clothing, and other materials.

butterfly

In Native American symbolism, the butterfly represents transformation and beauty, and is also believed to be a messenger from the spirit world.
Butterfly symbol

The butterfly represents transformation and beauty.  The butterfly is also believed to be a messenger from the spirt world.

cactus

The cactus represents protection and endurance.  The pulp of the cactus was used in medicinal recipes to reduce inflammation.

Crossed Arrows

While a single arrow represents war, crossed arrows are symbolic of friendship.

coyote

The coyote is a sacred animal that is important to Native American culture.  Coyotes symbolize intelligence and craftiness.

crow

The crow represents intelligence and wisdom.

dragonfly

Vintage dragonfly pendant by Navajo silversmith, Zeta Begay, featuring precious opal & dyed purple howlite set in sterling silver.
Dragonfly pendant set with opal and dyed purple howlite

The dragonfly is representative of happiness, speed, and purity.  The dragonfly was the symbol for pure water in Navajo tribes, and can also represent change.

eagle

The eagle is a powerful bird that symbolizes victory.

falcon

The falcon represents vision, knowledge, and decisiveness.

feather

Feathers were representative of strength, trust, wisdom, and honor in Native American jewelry.
Feather pendant with petit point turquoise

The feather can represent strength, trust, wisdom, and honor.  It is one of the most commonly seen symbols in Southwestern jewelry.

fire

Fire imagery is symbolic of purification, cleansing, and renewal.

fox

The fox is a cunning Spirit Animal that represents awareness, responsiveness, and craftiness.

Hogan

Hogan Native American Navajo symbol is representative of a permanent dwelling or home
Hogan symbol

A hogan is the permanent home, or dwelling, of the Navajo.

horse

Vintage H-L Zunie Southwestern Zuni belt buckle featuring turquoise, jet, tiger shell, and spiny oyster shell set in a horse motif, sterling silver channel inlay, by Helen & Lincoln Zunie
Horse belt buckle with multi gem inlay

The horse was the main source of transportation.  The horse represented freedom and nobility.

hummingbird

The hummingbird is representative of joy and playfulness.

lightning

Lightning represents a warrior's speed and power.

man in the maze

The man in the maze imagery is symbolic of the journey through life.

moon

The moon can be representative of serenity and protection, and can also symbolize the female spirit.

rain

Rain symbols represent renewal, fertility, and change.  Rain, or rain clouds, are considered positive imagery in Native American jewelry.

rainbow man

Beautiful Zuni Rainbow Man stone-to-stone inlay pin set with turquoise, spiny oyster, mother of pearl & jet.
Rainbow Man (aka rainbow dancer)

The Rainbow Man, or rainbow dancer, is a sacred Zuni guardian spirit associated with the summer rains that bring life to agriculture.

​The Rainbow Man is also a symbol of protection and is often seen on shields of Zuni warriors.

Rattlesnake Jaw

In Native American symbolism, rattlesnake jaws represent strength
Rattlesnake jaw symbols

Rattlesnake jaw symbols are representative of strength.

raven

The raven represents medicine and healing.  Ravens were thought to be messengers from the spirit world, helping to treat the sick.

snake

A very creative, hand-wrought, sterling silver snake is used as a prong to secure this massive piece of turquoise with red matrix, in a Navajo belt buckle
Snake symbol

The snake represents healing and rebirth due to the shedding of its skin.

Spiral

In Native American symbolism, spirals can represent water, wind, and creatures associated with water such as snails
Spiral symbols

Spirals can represent water, wind, and creatures associated with water, such as snails and snakes.

Sun Rays

In Native American symbolism, sun rays represent life, consistency and dependability, as well as being the giver of life
Sun ray symbol

Sun rays represent life, consistency and dependability.  It symbolizes healing and energy in addition to being the giver of life.

thunderbird

Massive sterling silver and turquoise pendant, by Navajo silversmith, Freddy Charley, depicting the Thunderbird.
Thunderbird pendant

​The legend of the iconic Thunderbird describes wings so large and powerful that they would cause thunder.  The beating of the Spirit Bird's wings was often a premonition of war.

Tree

Trees are representative of age and longevity.

turtle

The turtle represents longevity and health.

waves

Waves are used to represent life and renewal.

wolf

The wolf is symbolic of strength, protection, and leadership.
All photos courtesy of Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, CMA (NAJA)