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

"A time long ago, a courageous hero embarked on an extraordinary journey. The gods recognized his unwavering resolve and assisted him in hollowing out a log to navigate down the river.

On his journey, the hero encountered numerous challenges, each contributing to his acquisition of vital ceremonial knowledge. During one such event, the Water People captured him and his vessel, dragging him beneath the waters to the dwelling of the Water Monster. As Black God threatened to set ablaze the Water Monster's abode, the hero was set free. Before departing, Frog imparted wisdom on how to heal the ailments.

Upon reaching his destination—a vast lake—the gods intervened once more, seizing his log and guiding him safely ashore. As the hero explored the land, he encountered a spinning cross adorned with yeis at each end. From these mystical beings, he gained invaluable knowledge of farming. The hero journeyed back to his people to share the wisdom he had received during his remarkable odyssey."

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.