3.Swirl
Tapping into a primal, universal language that resonates with our innate connection to the earth, and the rhythms of the natural world.
- rebirth and eternity -
Jomon pottery serves as an inspiration for NAOWAO’s other projects and for many artists, including Taro Okamoto. The swirling motifs, reminiscent of water, fire, and wind, are hallmarks of Jomon craftsmanship. The spirit and potency embedded in these patterns are undeniably intertwined with their intimate connection to nature.
Jomon Flame Pots. (2002) [Photograph]. Japan Heritage "What on Earth?!".
Beyond their elemental symbolism, these swirls are said to resemble snakes and frogs, symbolizing fertility and regeneration, adding another layer of significance to the Jomon legacy. Such intricate designs mirror a deep understanding and reverence for the natural world, underscoring the profound relationship between the artisans and their environment.
Interestingly, analogous swirl patterns grace the cultural tapestries of other societies. From the magnetic fields of the solar corona and ancestral spirit worship to the symbolism surrounding totems, golden circles, yin and yang, Polynesian tattoo patterns, and dragon motifs to the rich imagery depicted by the Warlpiri people of the Aboriginal Walmatjarri tribe, these motifs transcend boundaries, weaving a global narrative of interconnected cultural expressions.
Figure 1. Diagram of Fuxi Tai Chi. [Drawing]. Yixue.com.
Figure 2. Koru symbol of Maori Tattoo. [Drawing]. Polynesian tattoo symbol.
Figure 3. HES, Ian G Scott. Shandwick Stone. [Sketch]. Highland Pictish Trail.
Figure 4. K, Gabriel. Circular-triangular liquid standing wave, illustrating the vortex principle and male-female cople. [Illustration]. Kelemen Gabriel.
Figure 5. E, Haeckel. Shell. [Illustration]. Final Major Projet KC.
Figure 6. R, Imafuku. Symbol from Warlpiri Tribe. [Illustration]. Enso No Geijutsu Kougaku .
The swirling patterns found on ancient pottery, such as the Jomon ware of Japan, were more than just decorative elements. They were symbolic representations of the deep connections these cultures felt with the natural world around them. These spiral motifs, which appear repeatedly across various ancient civilizations, conveyed a worldview where humans saw themselves as intricately linked to their environment. The swirls evoked the cycles of nature, the flow of rivers, the winds, and symbols of specific animals.
In the music video, NAOWAO incorporated these ancient symbols into the imagery, drawing parallels between the timeless patterns and the living beings and natural elements featured. This approach taps into a primal, universal language that resonates with our innate connection to the earth, and the rhythms of the natural world.