KOKOPELLI is an important figure in Pueblo at of both ancient and modern time. He has been assigned many different functions, and has come to symbolise a variety of qualities.

One such interpretation is that Kokopelli is a rain priest, who calls the clouds and the moisture with his flute. He is also associated with various insects, most notably the locust, and he is often depicted with antennae and other insect features. The Locust is an important figure in the emergence myth. "As he was sent to look for an entrance into the Upper World, the Clouds shot lightening bolts through him, but he just continued to play his flute. Locust also plays the flute to melt the snow when appealed to by the sun loving snakes." (Schaafsma, 1980 p141) Thus, there are many rock art depictions of humped backed flute players with snakes.

Locust Flute Player

Kokopelli is also associated with fertility, being shown amongst herds of mountain sheep ( to increase their breeding ) and it is often stated that his hump is filled with seed. However, it is also believed that his hump contains babies, blankets or seeds which he uses to seduce young maidens.

Wellman (1970) (cite: Schaafsma, 1980 p141) describes Kokopelli as one who

"may be compared with the Universal Trickster archetype, who, in spite of his unrestrained sexuality, in his roles as hunting magician and rain priest change from an unprincipled amoral force into a creator who brings order and security into the chaos of the world."

Anasazi Humped Back Flute Player

Cole (1990) however, argues that the ancient Anasazi symbol of the humped back flute player cannot be equated with the modern day figure of Kokopelli, despite the similarities in style.

Modern day depiction of Kokopelli

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