Tribal Seal

Symbolism of the Great Seal of the
Yavapai-Apache Nation

The Seal represents the unity of the Yavapai-Apache people and the coming together of the Tribe as one nation. Below is a description of the symbolism of the Seal from tribal elder and designer of the Seal, the "Arizona Living Legend," David Sine.

1. Circle: In our culture, it is the cycle of life that one must face throughout life in this world. We go from home and when life has been completed we return back to the homeland.

2. Feathers: In our beginning we were two distinct tribes, warring against the people coming into our valley. Inter-marriages made our togetherness very close in relation as shown in the seal. Together to the very end, our forefathers were all herded to San Carlos.

3. Crown: Symbolizes the Apache in our people, proud of being what we are.

4. Bell Rock: Symbolizes the Yavapai in our people. It is they, who have their roots to the canyon and surrounding area. Since the beginning of time, their legends tie in the land around all of us.

5. Rainbow: This symbolizes our religion. We are taught to believe in something and walk in this beauty of life, not to deviate from what we believe in.

6. Colors:

Yellow - symbolizes the power of pollen, divinity and perfect ceremonial control.
Blue - symbolizes the fruitfulness of mother earth.
White - symbolizes the purity of nature's gifts and beauty.
Red - symbolizes the power we have within ourselves to lay down our lives for others as our forefathers shed their blood for us to be free.
Orange - symbolizes the power of the sun to create and recreate with its radiation.

"To be an Indian artist, one has to interpret his creations to tie into the Tribe. This makes him a historian of his Tribe." -- David W. Sine, Artist of the Yavapai-Apache Nation