Navajo Catalog

As you may have noticed, textile number 2148-589 contains motifs that appear to be four black swastikas. Although UT's DASe description classifies these motifs as such, these are not swastikas. Rather, they are Navajo motifs that pre-date World War II known as the “whirling log,” ″falling log,” or “swirling log.” It looks like a cross with shorter, 90-degree-notches at the end of each line, creating a swirling shape. In the Navajo language, they are called tsil no oli, or "that which revolves" (Whitaker 2002: 89).

 

Although this motif has been stigmatized by its associated with racism and antisemitism since World War II, the swastika remains an important symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism, among other religions and cultures such as the Navajo. The creators of this site, the University of Texas at Austin, and most importantly, the creators of this woven square, do not intend to promote sentiments of racism, antisemitism, or any other negative and hate-filled messages. Also, please note that this textile was created between 1890 and 1900, not post-WWII.