The Hopi Starblower: A Symbol of Light and Sound
The Starblower is an unusual and powerful figure in Hopi iconography, known from a single petroglyph located on the cliffs below the Hopi village of Old Oraibi on Third Mesa. The image shows a towering figure surrounded by humans, each with arms raised toward it. The people only reach the figure's knees, emphasizing its immense size. The figure holds a flute-like instrument that, when blown, appears to emit both stars and music.
Interpretations of this scene vary. Some Hopis say the humans are visibly receiving the effects of the Starblower's instrument and power. Victor Coochwytewa, who was the first to translate the image into jewelry, explained that the people were acknowledging and honoring the blessings they were receiving.
The Hopi have long understood that light and vibration, through sound, play a vital role in creation. The Starblower's instrument emits both: light in the form of stars, and sound in the form of music. This combination makes the Starblower a particularly powerful being to the Hopi.
The Starblower brings light into darkness, both literally and metaphorically. Victor Coochwytewa defined this as revealing truth, always with a positive connotation.
The Hopi worldview is cosmological and cyclical. The stars, sun, moon, and planets are not just celestial bodies but active participants in creation, timekeeping, and spiritual balance. Ceremonies are timed to lunar and solar cycles, and constellations guide planting, harvesting, and ritual life. The Starblower fits within this tradition. While the figure is not formally identified as one of the star people, its connection to the cosmos is clear. When we see the Starblower in Hopi jewelry, its role as a cosmic messenger feels self-evident.
Victor Coochwytewa is credited as the first Hopi artist to incorporate the Starblower into jewelry design. A master silversmith trained under Fred Kabotie and Paul Saufkie, Victor developed a precise overlay style that transformed traditional imagery into wearable art. His Starblower pieces are rare and reflect both deep cultural meaning and artistic innovation. Most were originally made for the Kópavi Gallery and are now part of our collection at Garland's.
The Starblower is unique among Hopi symbols because it appears so rarely. It's seen in only one known rock art image and has been interpreted by only a handful of artists, most notably Victor Coochwytewa. Yet its meaning is broad and deeply resonant: the idea that light and sound can transform, clarify, and reveal deeper truths.
Garland's is honored to preserve and share these works as part of the historic Kópavi Collection.
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