Kokopeli
"As with all legends handed down from generation to generation,
there exists an array of tales animating many a hero and Kokopeli is
no exception. His purpose or mission remains unclear, but his
reputation does not. Known to some as a magician, others know him as
a storyteller, teacher, healer, trickster or god of the harvest.
Kokopeli is often credited as being the original journalist. Yet with
his hunchback and flute, he was always welcome.
Kokopeli, the flute player, was the symbol of happiness and joy.
"He talked to the wind and the sky. His flute could be heard in the
spring breeze, bringing warmth after the winter cold."
Native People legend has it that when the Kokopeli comes playing his
flute, the sun comes out, the snow melts, the green grass grows, the
birds come out and begin to sing, and all the animals gather around
to hear his songs. Kokopeli and his flute bring the Spring out of the
Winter. Kokopeli embodies everything pure and spiritual about music.
He was also thought of as a fertility god and traveling prankster.
He would visit villages playing his flute, carrying his songs on his
back. Everyone would sing and dance the night away. In the morning,
when he left, the crops were plentiful and all the women were
pregnant.
The Hopi's Kokopeli has a hump filled with seeds of all the plants of
the world, a likely extension of the early Kokopeli being a symbol of
fertility. Kokopeli was probably a traveler. In ancient days, as in
Central America today, travelers may have announced their arrival by
playing the flute as they approached. One can hear Kokopeli's melody
floating across the desert as he wanders in.
Today, this image adorns t-shirts, dresses, shopping bags, jewelry,
tiles and many other articles found in tourist gift shops all over
the Southwest. If you ask most of the owners of these articles, most
will tell you that he is called the flute player. A few will be able
to tell you about Kokopeli and his legend.
To most, their ancient image reminds them of the rock art of the
Southwest"
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