Desert Dancers

On my recent trip to the desert Southwest, I was introduced to Kokopelli, who is know as a fettiflity god, prankster, healer and story teller. Kokopelli embodies the true American Southwest, and dates back over 3,000 years ago, when the first petroglyphs were carved. Although his true origins are unknown, this traveling, flute-playing Casanova is a sacred figure to many Southwestern Native Americans. Carvings of this hunchbacked flute-playing figure have been found painted and carved into rock walls and boulders throughout the Southwest.  On my trip, I saw Kokopelli on many different things for sale and he seemed to be everywhere.

There are many myths of the famous Kokopelli. One of which is that he traveled from village to village bringing the changing of winter to spring; melting the snow and bringing about rain for a successful harvest. It is also said that the hunch on his back depicted the sacks of seeds and songs he carried. Legend also has it that the flute playing also symbolized the transition of winter to spring. I like this one! It is also said that he was the source of human conception. Legend has it, everyone in the village would sing and dance throughout the night when they heard Kokopelli play his flute. The next morning, every maiden in the village would be with child.

Whatever the true meaning of Kokopelli is, he has been a source of music making and dancing, and spreading joy to those around him.

I certainly felt the joy of the Kokopelli and could almost hear his beautiful flute music while making this basket. I also wonder if he has been sneaking around playing tricks on me, because I had to take these photos outside between rain storms. I think Pudge is looking for him, too!

I used natural green Long Leaf pine needles, brown artificial sinew, sky blue jasper chip beads and a beautiful double Kokopelli basket base made by Pamela Zimmerman. Enjoy!