I love finding history in the footnotes of my research. Did you know that Native Americans have used a now disgraced symbol in their art? For the first peoples of the American southwest, the symbol is the whirlwind or whirling log. But with the rise of the Nazi party in Germany its benevolence turned deadly.
It is, of course, the swastika.
Realizing the growing threat to the world, four nations--the Hopi, Navajo, Apache and Papago decided to have a ceremony to renounce its use. In 1940, representatives signed a proclamation which read:
Because the above ornament which has been a symbol of friendship among our forefathers for many centuries has been desecrated recently by another nation of peoples,Therefore, it is resolved that henceforth from this date and forevermore our tribes renounce the use of the emblem commonly known as the swastika or flyfot on our blankets, baskets, art objects, sandpainting, and clothing.
Here is a photo of the event:
Did I use this in book 3 of my Navajo Code Talker Chronicles, All of Me? Of course I found a way to work it in!
Since then, some artists and craftspeople have reclaimed their ancient benevolent symbol, which exists in many cultures throughout the world. Others think it should stay buried, because of the trauma it engendered by the Nazis.
What do you think?
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I think that one day this symbol will be used in it's real meaning. Such events have happened with the way other signs and also words ahve changed their meanings or usage. I think of gay as a word so changed in it's meaning today.
ReplyDeleteAs had "queer." I hope you're right, Janet, and we can reclaim universal symbols.
DeleteNew generations will probably reinstate this peaceful symbol. It is carved in the chest of the Buddha on many statues in India, but the wind turns in the opposite direction of the Nazi Swastika. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind attention, Vijaya. I always feel enriched by your comments.
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