Labyrinthos Photo Library

Native American Labyrinths

The occurance of the labyrinth symbol in the American Southwest is both widespread and shrouded in mystery. How, and more importantly when, the symbol first reached this region is unclear. However, it forms a central theme of the traditional stories of the Hopi, Pima, Tohono O'odham and Yaqui peoples. Labyrinth petroglyphs found throughout Arizona, New Mexico and the northern states of Mexico are difficult to date, but provide the earliest evidence for labyrinths in the Southwest. Today the labyrinth remains popular and is found as the familiar "Man in the Maze" motif on hand woven baskets, as well as on silverwork and pottery produced by the native peoples of Arizona.


*Petroglyph, Arroyo Hondo, NM*	*Mt. Baboquivari, Arizona*

*Inscription, Casa Grande, AZ*	*Petroglyph, northern Arizona*

*Sells courthouse, Arizona*	*Pima-Maricopa, Scottsdale, Arizona*

*Labyrinth courtyard, Tuscon, AZ*	*Statue, Tuscon, Arizona*

*Pima Man in the Maze basket, c.1910*	*Tohono O'odham plaque, 1950's*

*Tohono O'odham crafts*	*Man in the Maze basket*

*Tohono O'odham horsehair basket*	*Tohono O'odham horsehair basket*

*Man in the Maze silver ear stud*	*Man in the Maze craftwork*

*Tohono O'odham pottery*	*Navajo silver belt buckle*

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