Known as a fertility god, prankster, healer and story teller,
Kokopelli has been a source of wonder throughout the country for
centuries. Kokopelli embodies the true American Southwest, and
dates back over 3,000 years ago, when the first petroglyphs were
carved. Although his true origins are unknown, this traveling,
flute-playing Casanova is a sacred figure to many Southwestern
Native Americans. Carvings of this hunch-backed flute-playing
figure have been found painted and carved into rock walls and
boulders throughout the Southwest.
There are many myths of the famous Kokopelli. One of which is
that he traveled from village to village bringing the changing of
winter to spring; melting the snow and bringing about rain for a
successful harvest. It is also said that the hunch on his back
depicted the sacks of seeds and songs he carried. Legend also has
it that the flute playing also symbolized the transition of winter
to spring. Kokopelli’s flute is said to be heard in the
spring’s breeze, while bringing warmth. It is also said that
he was the source of human conception. Legend has it, everyone in
the village would sing and dance throughout the night when they
heard Kokopelli play his flute. The next morning, every maiden in
the village would be with child.
Whatever the true meaning of Kokopelli is, he has been a source
of music making and dancing, and spreading joy to those around him.
The legend of Kokopelli (pronounced "Coke-a-pellie") is
well-preserved in ancient rock carvings and paintings dating back
as far as 3,000 years. His legend however, is no less popular today
- having survived more than one hundred generations.
Disclaimer:
Do not approach this series lightly. If this were only a 500'
bushwhack, I would call it hellish. The roots will trip you, the
branches will shred you and poke your eyes, and the insects will
consume you. But it's not 500'. It's over 12 bloody miles! I highly
recommend you bring snake boots, lots of water, long pants, long
sleeve shirt, lots of water, good hat, pokey stick, lots of water,
spare everything, bug spray, lots of water, writing utensils, cell
phone, lots of water.
Did I mention bring lots of water?
You may find a laminated clue slip in this cache. If you do, you
might want to solve the riddle. This will help you locate the Gaia
puzzle cache nearby. Please leave clue slips in the caches you find
them in.
