The Whirling Log Symbol: Rediscovering its Roots in Native American Art and Jewelry

Long ago, a determined hero set out on a journey down the river in a hollow log prepared with the help of the Holy People. Along the way, he faced numerous challenges and gained important ceremonial knowledge.

During his journey, the Water People pulled the hero and his vessel beneath the river to the home of the Water Monster. When the Water Monster refused to release him, Black God threatened to set the surrounding waters ablaze. The hero was freed, and Frog taught him how illnesses caused by encounters with the Water People could be treated.

At the end of the river, the hero reached a great whirling lake, where the Holy People guided his log safely ashore. There he encountered two crossed logs revolving in the water, with Holy People positioned near their ends. The vision became associated with healing, protection, and the ceremonial knowledge the hero carried home to his people.

Source: Adapted from the related hollow-log narratives recorded in Washington Matthews, Navaho Legends: Collected and Translated (1897), particularly “Myths of the Whirling Logs” and “Natĭ′nĕsthani.”

The Whirling Log symbol itself represents two crossed logs with Yeis (Navajo Healing Spirits) standing on the four ends of the logs. (Photo on Left: a 1930s Navajo Sandpainting Rug with the Whirling Log Design, showing the crossed logs and Yeis). The design suggests movement, with the logs spinning in a circle. This symbol is often the central design for Navajo Sandpaintings that are created during healing ceremonies by Navajo medicine men. The patient sits in the center of the hogan (the traditional Navajo eight-sided home). The whirling log design would be created, with sand made from crushed rocks and minerals, on the floor of the hogan, with the patient seated at the center. The design is meant to "whirl" the sickness out of the patient. Versions of these sacred sandpainting designs eventually appeared in early Navajo art, including weavings and baskets.

 Below: A drawing of what a traditional Navajo healing sandpainting may look like.

In the early 20th century, traders encouraged Native American artists to incorporate the symbol into their crafts. The symbol can be seen in jewelry, baskets, weavings, and pottery. The US Army 45th Infantry Division, an all-Native American division, also used the symbol. They used a red diamond with a yellow swastika as their symbol, paying tribute to the large Native American population in the southwestern United States. 

(Photo on Right: Courtesy of the U.S. Militaria Forum). However, the symbol declined in usage in the 1930s due to its associations with Nazi Germany, which infamously appropriated the ancient symbol. The symbol for the 45th Infantry Division was later replaced with a thunderbird emblem. In 1940, community leaders from several Native American tribes, with some government encouragement, pledged to discontinue using the symbol.

Despite the external objections to its use, some Native American groups continued to employ the symbol, both in reference to its original spiritual meaning and as a memorial to the 45th Division. The symbol was even used on state road signs in Arizona from the 1920s until the 1940s.

At Garland's, we offer a curated selection of antique handmade Native American art and jewelry featuring the Whirling Log symbol. By appreciating and preserving these vintage pieces, our intention is to honor the rich heritage, spiritual significance, and original meaning of this ancient emblem. 

The Whirling Log symbol is an essential historical piece of culture and artistic expression for the Navajo and numerous other peoples around the world. Although it has been overshadowed by horrific historical associations, its true meaning of healing, protection, and well-being remains an important aspect of handmade Native American art and jewelry. As you browse our inventory at Garland's, keep an eye out for these vintage treasures that honor this ancient and sacred symbol of Native American culture.

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