Meaning of the Coyote Symbol
Native American Indians were a deeply spiritual people and they communicated their history, thoughts, ideas and dreams from generation to generation through Symbols and Signs such as the Coyote symbol. Native American symbols are geometric portrayals of celestial bodies, natural phenomena and animal designs. Native American bird and animal symbols and totems are believed to represent the physical form of a spirit helper and guide. In Miwok mythology the people believed in animal and human spirits, and spoke of Animal Spirits as their ancestors. For additional information please refer to the Meanings of Animal Symbols.
Meaning of the Coyote Symbol
The Coyote is depicted as their ancestor, creator god, and a Trickster spirit. According to one Miwok creation myth "Coyote shook his walik" (something similar to a blanket of tule) to the four directions south, east, north and west. The water dried, and land appeared. The meaning of the Coyote symbol was very important to the Southwest Indian tribes including the Navajo and the Zuni. The coyote is perceived as holy but also adopts the role of a Trickster. Sometimes the Coyote spirit was so mischievous and involved in his own trickery that he would trick himself which is why, according to mythology, there are so many mistakes in the way things are in the world. The coyote is also associated with Spiritual Healing and "Coyoteway" is a healing ceremony that consists of a series of prayer chants and other rituals which are performed over a period of several days. The Coyote appears in the stories of a number of tribes. In the following picture Coyote attempts to get persimmons from Opossum in traditional native American Caddo mythology. For additional information refer to Power Animals.
The Coyote Symbol
The coyote symbol represents the prairie wolf and is small and cowardly, the least imposing of the wolf like animals. In Native American myths and legends the contemptible coyote symbolizes selfishness, deceit and greed. He is often outwitted by the animals who he tries to trick. Those he helps do not show the coyote gratitude.
However, despite this the coyote is perceived as a powerful magician bringing the world to some order although this might not have been his intention.
The Coyote Symbol is a Pictogram
The Coyote symbol is in a fact a pictogram. A pictogram, also called a pictograph, conveys a story and meaning through pictures that signify and resemble the shapes of physical objects or people. An Ideagram is another form of pictogram which conveys complex ideas, feelings and emotions. A pictogram, such as the one recognised as a Coyote symbol, is a therefore a form of writing which uses representational, pictorial drawings to tell a story. Did you know that the coyote was used to make Native American Quivers?
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Native American Indian Picture drawing (pictogram) |
Coyote Symbol and Pictogram
The religion of Native Americans was dominated by rituals and belief in a spiritual connection with nature and these beliefs were reflected in the various symbols and pictograms they used such as the Coyote symbol. Native Indian symbols are still used as Tattoos and were used for a variety of reasons and depicted on numerous objects such as tepees, totem poles, musical instruments, clothes and War Paint. Indian Tribes also used their own colors for symbols, refer to Color Meanings & Symbolism, and designs depending on the natural resources available to make Native American paint. His belongings was decorated with art and included symbols depicting his achievements, acts of heroism, his various spirit guides or the most important events in his life and included the Coyote symbol or pictogram. Every symbol used by an American Native Indian had meaning which can be accessed from Symbols and Meanings.
The Coyote Symbol
Coyote
- The Coyote symbol of Native Americans
- Meaning, symbolism and interpretation of the Coyote symbol
- Interesting facts and info for kids and schools
- Pictures, meanings, patterns and designs of symbols
- Native American Coyote symbol meaning
Pictures and Videos of Native Americans
Coyote. Discover the vast selection of pictures which relate to the History of Native Americans and illustrate many symbols used by American Indians. The pictures show the clothing, war paint, weapons and decorations of various Native Indian tribes that can be used as a really useful educational history resource for kids and children of all ages. We have included pictures and videos to accompany the main topic of this section - Coyote. The videos enable fast access to the images, paintings and pictures together with information and many historical facts. All of the articles and pages can be accessed via the Native Indian Tribes Index - a great educational resource for kids.