I was going to add this timely article to the recent whirling log thread, but can’t seem to find it. Anyway, here’s a little more history and an interesting discovery in Tennessee: Link
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My Father in Law and his wife had a cabin that had been in her family for many years. In the loft sleeping area there was a beautiful rug that had the swirling log pattern.
After her mom passed away they were going to sell the cabin. he told my husband and I we could select 1 items to keep. We had gone there many times in the past.
I chose the rug, as it was obviously Native American made and in great condition.
My very religious Father in Law was appalled. Said I had chosen something related to the Devil. I tried to give him a history lesson and let him know that the swirling log was for peace and harmony before the Nazi’s adopted it. Also that the patterns on this rug were opposite of a swastika.
He then used all his strength to rip the rug from beneath the bed, drag it downstairs and burn it in the yard.
I cried when I watched a beautiful piece of Native American history go up in flames. ‘’
After that, him and I were at odds many times.
He eventually apologized for his mistake and offered me a copper plate with a swastikas on it. I told him that this was a swastika and not a whirling log. That they were two very different items.
He just laughed it off and was upset I did not appreciate his gift.
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I “liked” your post for sharing your story, not for your father-in-law’s action.
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Me too 
(Post must be 20 characters so here’s some happy things 
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I imagine he was a man of his era, which was likely the era to know and experience WWII. Perhaps he believed he had a pretty compelling history lesson to impart to you, too.
To insist that the swastika is not the whirling logs is to play a semantic game. It’s in no way true that the swastika is graphically different from the whirling logs, though some people have asserted it. Navajo blankets and baskets display the spokes oriented both right and left.
As I said before the original thread got deleted, there isn’t only one positive, righteous, convenient meaning to this particular symbol; it has all the usages and meanings it has acquired over time and space. Maybe the gentleman felt the hurt embedded in this symbol, which survives to this day, less abstractly than some collectors might. (He shouldn’t have touched your property, regardless.)
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Several years ago I read a fascinating authoritative article relating the ancient origins of this symbol to heavenly bodies…the Big Dipper and the Little Dipper; with the arms directed opposite directions (clockwise - swastica and counterclockwise - sauvastika). The historical use of the symbol by numerous ancient peoples and religions include both forms while the nazis used the clockwise form. I think most of us understand the symbol used by native Americans, referred to as whirling logs, indicates good will and harmony. I’m sharing a pottery jar I commissioned similar to an 1800’s jar with the whirling logs. Although potters do not routinely use the symbol, Elizabeth Medina agreed to create a jar. I’m cautious about displaying it, but it’s a wonderful prop to educate friends about the history of the symbol.
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Elizabeth Medina and her husband Marcellus Medina are well know potters at Zia pueblo.
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We have a piece of pottery by the late mother/daughter team, Sofia and Lois Medina. I believe they were related to Marcellus. They all do/did excellent work.
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@TAH Yes they do! I have several by Sofia and one by Sofia and Lois. I got to know Elizabeth and Marcellus (Sophia’s son), through friends, they’re really nice folks. I love Zia pottery and have had Elizabeth make me jars using historic designs. I’d love to get back to visit them soon (darn Covid!).
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My mother bought a pot on one of our trips west when I was young; I believe she got it at the Buffalo Bill Museum in WY. It’s fairly large and has what I always called the startled birds on it. She never had learned (or forgot) what Pueblo it was from, so I took a pic of it to Garland’s once. They said it was Zia. When I told her what they said it might be worth, she was nervous to have it sitting out. I have been blessed to inherit it.
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I’ve been thinking about this thread quite a bit. I appreciate the links to the articles; they have been informative. I know that my feelings and experiences are not the same as everyone else’s, and it’s good to hear other people’s opinions.
My brain understands that there are much older meanings to the swastika than the only one I have ever known. But my heart still can’t get past it, and I find it a disturbing image no matter where it appears. I actually hope our country never gets past it either, because it seems like often the things that we forget we are doomed to repeat.
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@Ziacat your feelings are completely understandable…it’s a difficult situation. Having seen the symbol on numerous pieces of historic pottery, rugs and on Fred Harvey era jewelry, I’m frustrated that a long held symbol of harmony and good will was corrupted by the Nazis. Regardless of numerous discussions about the true meaning of the symbol, it will always carry that horrific scar…sad.
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Yes it is horrible how much the Nazis ruined and how many people were killed and/or their lives destroyed. That is why my original post was taken down. It was upsetting too many people. I flagged it and asked Jason if he would remove it.
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@Islandmomma Before I quit Facebook (my membership was corrupted twice and hijacked by another individual), I was part of a great NA pottery group. There was an ongoing discussion about the symbol, it’s history and use by ancient peoples and native Americans. The same concerns were voiced. I hate the fact that this historically important symbol was associated with the atrocities of the holocaust. I would have been interested in your initial post, and as @Ziacat stated it its important that we do not forget or ever let it happen again. I also think it is important that everyone understands the history of the symbol, prior to its use by the Nazis. I did not have the Zia jar made to cause anyone distress; after reading about the true historical meaning, and seeing it represented on historic pottery, I wanted to support its use by native people. I hope every one understands it was not my intention to cause anyone distress, but to represent the harmony felt by native peoples.
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Well I had actually been reading in some of the private groups on Facebook that some of the native people are trying to revive it and bring it back to its original use. I also did not intend to cause an uproar.
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I didn’t feel any distress, I have just been somewhat conflicted about the use of this symbol. It seems as though some caution should be used about it being revived. Many have no idea of any past meanings, and I wonder if people who have an understanding of native arts could forget that. Jewish people may always struggle with any use of this at all, because of their history and because of what seems to be a resurgence of antisemitism. I am not on Facebook either (just don’t want to be) so I haven’t been involved in these conversations elsewhere. And I remember that the first time decades ago I saw this symbol on Native American art I was shocked (never had heard the term whirling logs), but now I know the former history of it.
We just all are probably coming at this from different experiences, and therefore have different opinions. I really do appreciate learning from all of you, thank you!!!
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I would never get on FB either. My cousin/best friend/sister had an account with just a blank profile and no info. She would keep an eye on my children and let me know. After she passed 11 years ago, my oldest son was here from California and decided that I needed an account. He set up everything and even sent some friend requests. Then he went to his grandad’s and made him one too. I think Daddy was 79 because he’s 90 now. I spend a lot of my time in private turquoise groups. There are also public groups but I try not to post too much there because anyone can see my post/pictures.
I have also come to realize that I’m not as young as I used to be. People are referring to 90’s as vintage while I consider 50’s as vintage. Lol
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Yes, I’ll go with what you say…and I prefer to think of myself as vintage, like fine wine!
I’m impressed your dad is on Facebook. I’m afraid it would just be a big giant rabbit hole for me…
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It wasn’t until joining this forum that I learned about the whirling logs as a Native American symbol, although I was aware that the swastika has a rich history prior to its use by the Nazis. I’m torn on purchasing a piece with the whirling logs because I feel like it could be taken as the wrong meaning and I’d be hesitant about wearing it lest I upset anyone, but it could be an educational opportunity if anyone would ask.
I’m on FB as I’ve enjoyed reconnecting with old friends and enjoy people’s pictures, but it doesn’t suck me in like it does some people so I’ve kept my account active. I need to check out some of these turquoise groups. 
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I aquired this last year. I had hesitated showing it because of the misunderstanding about the symbol.
In fact my son freaked out when he saw it. Upset because he thought it was a swastika. After explaining he understands, but said correctly to be careful who I show it to. It was purchased from a military store in the UK. You would assume that they thought it was a nazi piece, but no they correctly identified it as native american, albiet not quite correctly.
Early original genuine native American silver neck tie / bolo
Navajo / Mississippian mound builders arrows within hook cross decoration
silver oval bolo complete with leather tie measuring approx. 36 inches
measuring approx. 2.5cm x 3cm reverse with age toned bar in good worn condition
I assume that this was probably made prior to the 1940’s
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