Fred Harvey Company Small Arrow Pin with a Whirling Log [SOLD]

The swastika, or Whirling Logs symbol, was a Native American design element long before it was used by Hitler as a Nazi logo. Native artists ceased using it in the 1930s because of its horrific association with the German dictator.

However, its original history is important to understand. It is part of a Navajo legend where the hero takes a trip down the San Juan River in a hollowed-out log. After encountering many hardships with the Water Monster, he arrives where the San Juan River meets with the Colorado River. There, he encounters whirlpools. In these whirlpools, there was a cross of whirling logs, on each end of the cross was a Yei. Knowledge of how to farm and live in harmony was imparted to the hero by the Yei, which he brought back to his people. This story is an important element in the songs and chants of Navajo curing ceremonies.

The Fred Harvey Company sold handmade, authentic souvenirs to tourists traveling along the railroad from Chicago to Los Angeles (Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe Railroad - ATSF). Until the 1930s, one of the more popular designs found on Fred Harvey souvenirs was the whirling log. This small arrow pin was made by a very skillful craftsman. It features an arrow that has been carefully stamped with a whirling log. There is a small carefully shaped piece of sky blue turquoise in the center of the pin.

Condition: The pin has a beautiful patina from age and is in great condition

Provenance: From an estate in Oklahoma

Recommended Reading: Inventing the Southwest: The Fred Harvey Company and Native American Art, by Diana F. Pardue and Kathleen Howard