Where do ideas for symbols originate?
When does a
symbol become a sign? What does advertising and instant messaging have to do
with these ancient archetypes?
.
Depending on your accepted picture dictionary a spiral might read as 'snake ' or mo'o, [lizard], while another individual instantly recognizes the spiral as a representation of the constant unfolding pattern of reality. Still another person will instantly think of a brand of soap.
Maybe its shorthand for a Time Concept. In Hawai'i the spiral symbol is rarely found engraved on the prehistoric lava pages, [less than 6 units in 50K]. In contrast the spiral motif is often repeated in other cultures.
Petroglyphs were site specific in Hawai'i and were not geo-physical decorations or doodles. They were not even considered art by their creators. Petroglyphs were communication tools used to transmit information such as; Identity, Territory, Cosmology and Genealogical Records, but their exact purposes and definitions will remain mysterious.
Try also online encyclopedia; www.Symbols.com
Earth, Pohue, Ka'u, Hawai'i
Firstly, ki'i pohaku or Rock Art, was an activity which relied heavily on an oral counterpart which we no longer have access. It also required a belief-system which doesn't correlate well with our contemporary thought patterns. The messages were self-relevant to their makers who could read this ancient signage and decode the inner content for the benefit of their students or audience.
We can easily see how Nature embraces the spiral in many of its forms. A pattern of growth and motion. Compare the Hurricane, the Nautilus, the Pandanus[Screw Pine], the unfolding Flower, the Expanding Universe, etc.
Time unrolls spirally.
Petroglyphs are spiritual constructions.
Fermenting Poi
