- Native American Symbol Whirling Log
The design of the Whirling Logs is similar in appearance to the symbol of horror associated with the Nazis.
Both are swastikas.
Swastika is Sanskrit meaning “well-being”. Throughout most of history, it has been associated with order and stability. The unfortunate association of the swastika with Hitler understandably makes some people uncomfortable when they see a similar symbol on Native American baskets, rugs and jewelry.
To distinguish Whirling Logs from Hitler’s Swastika, some try to make a distinction between which direction the figure appears to rotate, clockwise or counter-clockwise. But if you look at a whirling log on the outside of a Native American basket and it is whirling counter-clockwise, that same design will be whirling clockwise on the inside. Similarly with a woven rug – each side of the rug would show the symbol whirling a different way. So that is not distinction.
The distinction is in the intent, the context, the long history of the symbol. Read more about the history of the swastika.
Wikipedia has an excellent article with illustrations with more about the history and use of the symbol of the swastika with a note
after learning of the Nazi association, the Navajo discontinued use of the symbol
^ Dottie Indyke. “The History of an Ancient Human Symbol.” April 4, 2005. originally from The Wingspread Collector’s Guide to Santa Fe, Taos, and Albuquerque, Volume 15.
Whirling Logs are used in Navajo sand paintings during a healing or other type of ceremony. A sand painting is supposed to be a temporary piece of art which is destroyed after the ceremony is over. However sand painting designs are also used in prints and framed paintings, rugs and on jewelry.
The Whirling Log symbol is associated with a narrative involving a man (sometimes called the Culture Hero) who takes a journey down the San Juan River in a hollowed out log canoe. During his adventure, he encounters whirlpools and a special event where the San Juan River meets the Colorado River. There he comes upon a whirling cross with Yei figures seated on the cross. From the yeis he learns much knowledge which he takes back to his people.
(See a future post about Yeis)
Since World War II, the use of the Whirling Logs in Native American artifacts has been confined mainly to rugs. Jewelry with the symbol is usually from before 1940.
- Vintage Native American Pawn Bracelet with Whirling Log
Thank you for this explanation. Do you find that there is a hesitancy to purchase jewelry, rugs or baskets that have a whirling log image or are you able to sell these pieces? I have a basket with the whirling log image that I can not display, because seeing it upset a friend. I value it as a piece of Indian art, but I am sorry it has a terrible association.
We’ve never had an item in our store with that symbol. I just answered the question because I knew about the symbol from our business dealings.
I’ve been around people when they see the symbol on Native American items and it seems to go one of two ways. If a person is not aware of the fact that the symbol was used by Native Americans (and others) for many years prior to Hitler’s use of it, then they are repulsed by it, and yes, they would be hesitant to buy or wear something with that symbol on it. And who could blame a person, even if THEY knew what the back story was, it is not as if they would explain it to every person that would happen to see it. The people who are NOT hesitant to purchase are collectors who know the significance of the symbol in relation to Native American culture and the fact that it is usually on older pieces. We have seen a few older pawn items with it and they bring a premium price.
One final note – there are contemporary artists who still use the symbol in their new rug weaving (and perhaps basket weaving) because they live near the rivers where the story takes place and it is a very strong part of their culture. However, I have never seen a contemporary use of the symbol on Native American jewelry. Thanks for the good question and your interest !
I have a ring with a swastika on the top with arrows down the side. It is silver and do not the authenticity of it. Is there a place I could attach a picture of it for information about the ring. It was my father’s.
Gerry
I’ve send you my email address so you can send me a photo. I’ll see what I can do to help.
[...] that one of the most popular symbolism used in Native American art before WWII was something called whirling logs. A whirling log can easily be mistaken for swastika and as a result, they have burned many of [...]
What does the symbol for “River” look like?
I don’t have a picture of that but when I do I will post it.
Hi, my name IS River and my favorite River glyph is the one resembling the greek key design. – also stands for waves.
About the ‘whirling logs’ They are one and the same
Whirling Logs / Swastika / Svastika / Wheel of Life
Symbol of utmost importance to foundations of Various Asian Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, pre-columbian, Judaism, and even Christianity
It’s one of the oldest symbols and is spread throughout the world.
I HAVE A CONCHOS AS A BELT,
WITH THE SWASTIKAS IN THE MIDDLE OF IT..ON THE BACK STAMPED;;COIN SILVER INDIAN MADE,,,11 OF THEM,,CAN YOU HELP ME ON WHAT ITS WORTH AND SO ON…IM FRON THE 4 CORNERS SO I KNOW THE SWASTIKAS IS A INDIAN .SYM.
Hi, Please submit this question in the “Ask Paula a Question” section in the right hand column. I will reply there.
Would you be interested in selling 1 of them?
They are not for sale.
If we have any for sale they would be located here in our Pawn Shop
http://www.horsekeeping.com/jewelry/pawn/pawnshop-vin-bw.htm
Paula
I HAVE A CONCHOS AS A BELT, WITH THE SWASTIKAS IN THE MIDDLE OF IT.. ON THE BACK STAMPED,, COIN SILVER INDIAN MADE,,11 OF THEM CAN YOU HELP ME ON THEM WHAT ITS WORTH,AND SO ON
Would you be interested in selling one of them and do you know anything about the vintage native American pawn bracelet with whirling log.
They are not for sale.
Swastika Russian sacred sign. Glory Indians!
Hello. I appreciate the discussion regarding the whirling log symbol. Thank you for that. It is an ancient symbol. I wonder if you could advise me on how to remove an old buckle from my belt to put on a new buckle. I have one shoe repair man in the neighborhood. Would he be able to help me with this or is there a better solution? Thanks for any help you may be able to give.
Use the Ask Paula a question feature in the right hand column of the blog. I’ll reply and tell you where you can send a photo.
[...] The whirling log design is described in my article on that topic here on this blog. “Whirling Logs” [...]
[...] The Navajo used the symbol to represent whirling logs. From http://nativeamericanjewelrytips.wordpress.com/2010/06/10/native-american-symbol-whirling-log-swasti… it is explained that “Whirling Logs are used in Navajo sand paintings during a healing or [...]
I have a piece of jewelry I really need help with. I can send pics. I found it in my great great grandmother things after she passed. I have tried to research on it, and I believe it is a Native American whirling log, not a Nazi piece. I am of German heritage and was told my family owned bunkers that were taken over by Nazis during the war, but I am also of native American heritage and was told it could be from them too. Please I could really use some help with this. I need to know if it is worth anything, my father is in desperate need of serious help out of a poor situation. and this may be my only chance of helping him. This piece I have is hand engraved with the numbers 2460 I believe, I am scared to clean it but I think that’s what it says.
I’ve sent you a personal reply.
Found huge Royston, mint condition stone, ss ring 4 sale today only. It has broken arrows, a lightening bolt and the Whirl. log symbol on both sides. found on edge of Nav. Res. in Arizona by a trader. It is bidding at 130.00 and will go up… What should i be paying if i want it to re-sale/ larger size and wider bezel. Stone is more green, light and carmal , wide matrix. Stunning stone. no visable hallmark on underside, but so primitive, may not be visable? THANX, TwoWorlds
I can’t give an answer based on this information. Best of luck.
Thank you for covering the Swirling log design. I knew the facts from growing up in AZ. But I am writing an article on it, and I need citations for questionabl information.