Kokopelli, A Fun-Loving Guy

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A medium sized Coyote and Kokopelli by artist Alan Pfeiffer are silhouetted at sunset on Capistrano beach. Source: (Photo by Bob Grieser/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

One of the most recognizable figures in Native American art of the Southwest is Kokopelli, the hump-backed flute player. Today, images of Kokopelli grace nearly every gift shop trinket, from t-shirts to keychains, to can koozies, to necklaces, to cellphone cases, and more. Kokopelli is so popular because he seems like a fun guy, dancing and playing his flute. But how much do you know about this Native American deity? Let’s explore Kokopelli’s backstory.