Natives of the Southwest

Indian Symbols and Meanings

Horse Cactus Flower Rattlesnake Jaw Fence
journey courtship strength guarding good luck

Man Saddlebags Headdress Boxed Enclosure

human life journey ceremonial dance enclosure for a cere-
monial dance
Sun Rays Bird Butterfly
consistency care, lighthearted everlasting life Eagle Feathers
chief
Lasso Running Water Coyote Tracks
captivity constant life coyotes Facing Arrows
warding off evil
Thunderbird Raindrop and Rain Rain Clouds spirits
sacred bearer of hap- plentiful crops good prospects
piness unlimited Cross
Tipi Lightning and paths crossing
Crossed Arrows temporary home Lightning Arrow
friendship swiftness Broken Arrow
Sky Band peace
Arrow leading to happiness Days and Nights
protection time Lightning Snake
Medicine Man’s lightning
Arrowhead Eye Morning Stars
alertness wise, watchful guidance Snake
defiance, wisdom
4 Ages Mountain Range Sun Symbols
infancy, youth, mid- mountain range happiness Thunderbird Track
dle age, and old age bright prospects
Hogan Big Mountain
Cactus permanent home abundance Deer Track
desert plentiful game
Bear Track House of Water
Gila Monster good omen water
desert

The above chart shows some of the symbols natives of the Southwest might have used when leaving a
message for a friend or when writing on the canyon walls. Write a message to your teacher using these
symbols and any others you create.

© Teacher Created Resources, Inc. #607 Interdisciplinary Unit: Native Americans