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There’s a number of interpretations for the hunch-backed, flute playing figure known as Kokopelli. It’s variously described as a fertility deity, a male trader going from village to village with a sack of goods, or even an insect. Depictions of Kokopelli appeared on pottery and rock art in the Four Corners area. In the last 30 years, Kokopelli has been adopted as a commercial symbol on everything from skateboards and café signs to t-shirts and roadside tourist stops. We’ll hear from historians and tribal cultural experts on what’s known about Kokopelli and how it has become a modern symbol for Southwest Indigenous culture.
Guests:
Jon Ghahate (Pueblo of Laguna and Zuni) – museum cultural educator at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
Dr. Greg Cajete (Santa Clara Pueblo) – professor in the college of education, former director of Native American Studies at the University of New Mexico
Daryn Melvin (Hopi) – staff assistant to the vice chairman of the Hopi Tribe
Break 1 Music: Kokopelli Blues (song) Keith Secola (artist) Native Americana – A Coup Stick (album)
Break 2 Music: Happy Birthday (song) Devin Whirlwind Soldier (artist) Northern Lights, Vol. 3 (album)
