THE LEGEND OF KOKOPELLI

The name 'Kokopelli' comes from a hunched-back
    flute-playing Hopi Kachina.

    Some sources give the derivation as 'koko,' or 
    'wood,' combined with 'pilau,' or hump, which 
    likely developed into 'pelli.'  Others give 
    'koko,' or 'god,' and 'pelli,' or 'desert fly.' 
    Some early images on pottery look more insectlike
    than human.

    Kokopelli is nearly always considered a fertility
    symbol, as in a Hopi legend that says the hump
    contains the seeds of the world plants.

    Many earlier depictions emphasize the fertility
    angle by giving Kokopelli enlarged genitals.  This
    gave the image a reputation as a seducer of young
    women.

    Another Hopi legend says he also was a minstrel,
    and that the hump contains songs.  In addition,
    the flute is a healing symbol.

    A Hopi legend tells of two insect people who,
    being shot with arrows by an eagle, restore
    themselves to health by playing on their flutes.
    This aspect usually is folded back into the notion
    of fertility.  Hopi women who couldn't
    bear children would seek Kokopelli's help.

    In recent times, the Kokopelli image has been
    commercialized, and many Hopi agree that this has
    cheapened the image.