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Man in the maze
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Pueblo Zia
Hopi Cloud cliffs
Wheel of Taranis
Labrynth

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Mesoamerican Shamanism
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Definition: The figure above is known as the "Man in the maze," an emblem of the Tohono O'odham Nation of Southern Arizona (formerly known as the Papago Indians). The design, depicting a man exiting a labrynth, is most often seen on basketry dating back as far as the nineteenth century, and occasionally in Hopi silver art. Labrynths are common motifs in ancient petroglyphs (Native American rock art), and often resemble those found in ancient Greece and other parts of the world.

This symbol is said to represent a person's journey through life. Although the design appears to be a maze, it is actually a unicursal figure with many twists and turns; these are said to represent choices made in life. The center is dark, as the journey is one from darkness to light.

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Aboriginal Shamanism
Traditional religions of indiginous tribes around the world, including Native American, Australian Aboriginal, and South American tribal practices.

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