Whirling Log or Swastika?
JB Moore Crystal with Whirling logs. Circa 1910-1920
The Whirling Log or sometimes referred to as a "falling log" or "swirling log", goes back thousands of years in human culture. One of the oldest symbols made by humans, the Whirling Log dates back some 6,000 years. Scholars generally agree it originated in India.
In the Navajo culture the Whirling Log, represents part of their creation story, well being, good luck and protection. The Whirling Log is often confused with the swastika due to their similar appearance. The Whirling long is square and rotates where as the swastika is diamond shaped and angled symbol.
Navajo Whirling Log Nazi swastika
The Whirling Log symbol in Navajo culture comes from the tale of the Whirling Log.
The Whirling Log Tale - part of the Navajo creation story
Below is a simple rendition of the story.
The hero in the story is an outcast from his people. He decides to leave and sets out on a long journey to seek peace and security. At first the 4 Gods try to persuade him against going, but seeing his determination, they help him hollow out a log in which he travels down the river.
Along the way he has many misadventures which ultimately result in his gaining important ceremonial knowledge. In one such instance he and his craft encounter a whirlpool, hence "whirling Log" and is captured by the Water People who carry him down beneath the water to the home of Water Monster. Black God threatens to set fire to Water Monster's home and the hero is released, but not before being taught by Frog how to cure the illnesses caused by the Water People.
When he finally reaches the lake that is his destination, the gods catch his log and help him to shore. Wandering about on land the hero comes upon a whirling cross with two Yeis (Holy People) seated on each end. From them he learns the knowledge of farming and is given seeds. He then returns home to his people to share these gifts.
Until the late 1800s, when J. Lorenzo Hubbell and J.B. Moore opened their trading posts in Arizona and New Mexico, Navajos portrayed the Whirling Log solely in their religious ceremonies in the form of sand paintings. But by 1896, with prodding by Hubbell and Moore, the symbol proliferated on Navajo rugs.
In 1940, in response to Hitler's regime, the Navajo, Papago, Apache and Hopi people signed a whirling log proclamation. It read, "Because the above ornament, which has been a symbol of friendship among our forefathers for many centuries, has been desecrated recently by another nation of peoples, therefore it is resolved that henceforth from this date on and forever more our tribes renounce the use of the emblem commonly known today as the swastika . . . on our blankets, baskets, art objects, sand paintings and clothing."
- Chirag Patel
