Hopi labyrinth- the symbol of emergence
Book of the Hopi
Frank Waters
The Hopi are Native Americans who primarily live in north eastern Arizona. The Hopi understand their role as caretakers of the land that they inherited from their ancestors.
There are two Hopi labyrinths, the square and the circular. The place of beginning, the myth and meaning of the ‘emergence’ expressed by the square labyrinth symbol, is known to the Hopis as the Mother Earth symbol.
The Hopi also produced a labyrinth design symbolic of the coiled serpent, with the circular symbolising the Sun Father, the giver of life.
The square symbol is commonly known as Tapu’at (Mother and Child). The square type represents spiritual rebirth from one world to the succeeding one. In the square one the straight line emerging from the entrance is not connected with the maze. It’s two ends symbolise the two stages of life - the unborn child within the womb of the Mother Earth, and the child after it is born, the line symbolising the umbilical chord and the path of emergence.
The circular type differs sightly in design and meaning. The centre line at the entrance is directly connected with the maze and the centre of the cross represents the Sun Father, giver of life.
hopi man in the maze
‘Hopi man in maze’ is a well known emblem of the Tohono O’odham Nation of Southern Arizona (formerly known as the Papago Indians, but shared by Native Americans across the Southwest.) There are arguments about how old the labyrinth symbol is in the Americas but this prehistoric pattern has been found etched in rocks.
The design depicting a man exiting a labyrinth is often seen on basketry dating back to the nineteenth century. This figure is called Se:he or I’itoi (Big Brother) in the Tohono O’odham language. The twists and turns represent choices made in life; with each turn, man becomes more understanding and stronger as a person.
It symbolises one’s journey through life. The legend of ‘the man in the maze’ is a story to help people understand the meaning of life. It represents the journey through life that leads to one’s destiny. The labyrinth illustrates the search for balance in the physical. social, mental and spiritual realms while towards our dreams and goals. Legend says that the Sun God is there to greet us, bless us, and pass us into the next world.
https://www.wernative.org/articles/man-in-the-maze