Posted 12 years ago
BHock45
(807 items)
Here is a small statue I picked up a few days ago. Is it a statue a figurine, not sure?? My wife is saying that she thinks it has Native American refrence? I don't know. I have no idea what it is made of. I cannot make out the markings. Looks like one says: 995. But I just dont know here.
5 inches tall
3.4 oz (96 grams)
It is called DANCING KOKOPELLI"
Your wife is correct in the fact it is originally Native American.
Very nice piece !
You can find these made for wall hanging on eBay.
Per Wikipedia:
"Kokopelli is a fertility deity, usually depicted as a humpbacked flute player (often with feathers or antenna-like protrusions on his head), who has been venerated by some Native American cultures in the Southwestern United States. Like most fertility deities, Kokopelli presides over both childbirth and agriculture. He is also a trickster god and represents the spirit of music."
Also from Wikipedia:
Among the Hopi, Kokopelli carries unborn children on his back and distributes them to women; for this reason, young girls often fear him. He often takes part in rituals relating to marriage, and Kokopelli himself is sometimes depicted with a consort, a woman called Kokopelmana by the Hopi.[1] It is said that Kokopelli can be seen on the full and waning moon, much like the "rabbit on the moon".
Kokopelli also presides over the reproduction of game animals, and for this reason, he is often depicted with animal companions such as rams and deer. Other common creatures associated with him include sun-bathing animals such as snakes, or water-loving animals like lizards and insects.
In his domain over agriculture, Kokopelli's flute-playing chases away the winter and brings about spring. Many tribes, such as the Zuni, also associate Kokopelli with the rains.[2] He frequently appears with Paiyatamu, another flutist, in depictions of maize-grinding ceremonies. Some tribes say he carries seeds and babies on his back.[2][3]
In recent years, the emasculated version of Kokopelli has been adopted as a broader symbol of the Southwestern United States as a whole. His image adorns countless items such as T-shirts, ball caps, and key-chains.[4] A bicycle trail between Grand Junction, Colorado, and Moab, Utah, is now known as the Kokopelli Trail.
thanks to mustangtony and bellin68 and thanks to syscodan for solving the mystery!!!
Does anyone know what Dancing Kokopelli is made of? My 2 year old girl like to play with him, in other words, throw him around. Should I be more careful with him? Thanks!
thanks musikchoo!
The figure looks like something I have seen in Peru alot.