Handcraft Your Own Kokopelli Ring with Turquoise Stones

The Significance of the Kokopelli in Jewelry

The image of the Kokopelli, a hunchbacked flute player depicted in petroglyphs and pictographs across the American Southwest, has become an iconic symbol of Native American culture. With its playful and mischievous nature, the Kokopelli represents fertility, abundance, and the arrival of spring. Today, the Kokopelli is a popular motif used in jewelry, especially in handcrafted kokopelli rings.

The History and Mythology of the Kokopelli

The earliest known depictions of the Kokopelli date back over 1,000 years to rock art made by Ancestral Puebloans in what is now modern-day Arizona and New Mexico. Often called the “Humpbacked Flute Player,” the Kokopelli was a popular mythological figure across many Southwestern Native American tribes.

According to Zuni folklore, the Kokopelli carried unborn children on his back and distributed them to women. Other tales recount how Kokopelli brought warmth after winter, carrying seeds, rain, and fertile spring soil in the sack on his shoulders as he played his flute melodies.

By the 1800s, the Kokopelli began emerging in the jewelry and crafts trade as Anglo settlers moved into the Southwest. Its image resonated with both Native artisans and new settlers enamored with the region’s indigenous history. The wandering, flute-playing sprit represented the beauty and mystery of the desert landscape.

Kokopelli Rings Today

Modern kokopelli rings often depict the mythic figure playing his flute atop a flat, smooth band. Silver and turquoise are common materials, nods to the Southwest where the Kokopelli stories originated. Others are carved from stone in intricate detail or painted in the style of traditional rock art with spray paint on ceramic.

For many Indigenous artists today, the Kokopelli still appears across many art forms as a symbol of fertility after the desert’s arid winters. The hump on his back signifies seeds and rainfall. His flute music welcomes warmth and new blooms. Wearing the smiling trickster on a finger ring invokes his playful and generous spirit, and reminds one of the ways the landscape’s seasons transform.

Creating Your Own Kokopelli Ring

Want to DIY your own kokopelli ring? With some simple jewelry-making techniques and supplies, you can easily craft a custom Southwestern-inspired piece.

Gather Your Materials

First, assemble the following supplies:

• Sterling silver ring blank
• Kokopelli charm, pendant, or other embellishment
• Jewelry pliers
• Jewelry glue or solder
• (Optional) Turquoise stones
• (Optional) Fine-tipped paintbrush and gold paint

Shop for ring blanks, Kokopelli charms, and other findings online or at your local craft store.

Affix the Kokopelli Embellishment

Next, firmly grasp the ring blank with pliers, taking care not to damage the band. Arrange your Kokopelli charm face-up over the band. If using a glue, carefully squeeze out a thin, even line onto the back of the charm. Then press the charm firmly onto the center of the band’s exterior for 30-60 seconds. If soldering, consult a jewelry maker on proper technique before attempting.

For added sparkle, consider adding small turquoise stones into the glue or solder around the Kokopelli embellishment. Let fully dry before wearing or continuing work.

Highlight Details with Paint

Once your Kokopelli charm or pendant is firmly attached, you can further highlight aspects with gold paint. Use a very fine-tipped brush to trace over any engraved details around the figure’s clothing, body, or flute. This painterly technique makes aspects like feathers, eyes, and hands pop. Let the paint fully dry before wearing or cleaning.

Seal and Protect Your Ring

Finally, protect your ring’s unique Kokopelli embellishment by coating with a sealant. Carefully brush a thin layer over the charm and let dry completely. This seals any glue or solder and prevents color loss. Then buff gently with a soft cloth.

For added protection, consider applying a transparent gloss glaze on top of the sealant. This gives the Kokopelli figure a smooth, glass-like finish and prevents color rubbing off over time.

And just like that, you have a handmade kokopelli ring to show off your Southwest style! With some simple jewelry tools and techniques, you can create your own Kokopelli-inspired piece full of mythic meaning.

FAQs

What type of ring blank should I use?

We recommend a sterling silver ring blank for durability. However, you could also use copper, brass, or nickel alloys. Ensure your blank is large enough to comfortably fit the Kokopelli embellishment.

What if my charm won't stick with glue?

Add a layer of sealant and let fully dry before attempting to glue again. You can also explore other options like using jewelry solder or wire wrapping the charm instead.

Can I wear my ring in water?

Take care to completely seal and protect the Kokopelli charm first. Layer on sealant and a gloss glaze to waterproof. Avoid lengthy water exposure when possible to extend your ring's life.

How do I clean my Kokopelli ring?

Gently wipe with a soft, damp cloth to remove dirt and residue. Never use harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or alcohol, as these can strip paint details. For a deeper clean, use a small brush and mild dish soap.