Puzzle Description:

This is one of the links from my silver belt. Is there any chance you could tell me what the symbols mean? The mark on the lower right was stamped on the back of the belt. And the circle in the center is some kind of black stone.

#1: Teresa K (fasstar) on May 7, 2009 [SPOILER]

Wow. First of all, this is such a beautiful image/puzzle!

Let's see if I can help with the symbols. These seem to be of Navajo origin. Do you know if this is from a Navajo artist?

The center seems to be the sun sign.

The curved figure at the top looks like it might be the Yeii Spirit, considered by the Navajo to be a mediator between man and his creator. Yeiis control natural forces, such as day and night, rain, wind, sun & others.
http://www.ttpaints.com/Gallery/Murals/FullPics/yeii.JPG
http://www.shannonthunderbird.com/Ye-way_spirit.jpg

The pointy shape on the right could be an eagle or mountains, both are held sacred by the Navajo.

The double swirly thing looks a lot like the triple swirly symbol that represents homecoming. This might symbolize two coming together.

The H mark is the hallmark of the artist. Each silversmith has his/her own mark. I will ask my Navajo silversmith friend if she recognizes this mark.

How exciting!

I'm pretty sure the belt is Navajo - it was a gift from my mother, from one of her many trips down to the US. Before you started your series, I'd never really thought to wonder about the meaning.

Does the Yeii spirit ever carry a bow? It didn't come across clearly in my puzzle, but the longer object in his hand has a slight double curve. He also seems to have ears and a tail, but looking at the pictures you linked I could easily see how that could be a headdress and his clothing.

The pointy shape is smoothly curved, similar to how we draw bats but without a head bump, which didn't work in the drawing, of course. Would that make a difference to the question of eagle versus mountain?

I'd be most curious to know if your friend recognizes the mark! Thank you SO much, Teresa!

My reference to the swirly design was a little premature (see NA Symbol Set #10 just published).

I have only seen the curved pointy shape once before, as part of a design on the back of a bear, and there was no explanation as to symbolism. But I will ask my friend and let you know.

When I described the designs to my Navajo friend, she suggested that these might be Hopi. Also, sometimes symbols are significant to the artist only and not to the entire natioin. These symbols could be telling a story, and the significance of the symbols might be known only to the artist and those to whom he/she might explain what they mean. So, as my Navajo jewelry expert friend said, Your guess is as good as mine. :-)

Thank you - whatever the specific meaning of the belt, I'm still very fond of it. And I enjoyed your whole series!

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