$695.00
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Late 20th century
Size 23" L x 2.25" D Pendant
An unusual pairing of the Hopi " Man in the Maze" with the Greek Maze "Labyrinth of Knossos" found on ancient Greek coin — a tetradrachm minted by the city of Knossos on the island of Crete. The coin circulated throughout the Mediterranean basin between 200 and 67 BCE, a time when Cretan coinage was renowned for its distinctive iconography.
The Man in the Maze
The design shows a stylized human figure standing at the entrance of a circular maze (or labyrinth-like pattern). It represents the journey of life:The man at the entrance symbolizes birth or the start of life's path.
The twists and turns of the maze represent the choices, challenges, obstacles, joys, and changes we encounter.
The center often symbolizes reaching one's goals, dreams, or self-realization.
At the center, there's typically a final turn allowing reflection on one's life before moving onward (sometimes interpreted as passing into the next world, blessed by the Sun).
It emphasizes that life is not a straight line but a complex path full of decisions, and that we can find purpose or fulfillment by navigating it thoughtfully.
Hopi Connection: While the symbol originates with O'odham traditions (often appearing on their basketry and petroglyphs), Hopi silversmiths popularized it in beautiful overlay jewelry. In Hopi overlay style, the design is cut out of one layer of silver and soldered onto another, with the background often oxidized (darkened) and sometimes textured. This creates a striking contrast and is common in pendants, bracelets, rings, earrings, and bucklesExcellent Condition
LWIT: 1917-02 5224-0976
Condition:
Excellent
Tribe:
Hopi
Year Range:
1975 - 2000
Region:
Southwest
Dimensions:
23 in2.25 in
Category:
Necklaces - Other Styles
