Help identifying a type of Maltese Cross

[Dirka Skene]

I agree with Big Mikey. I appears to be a stylized Swastica. I've seen similar symbolic islandic designs in several of my island tribal henna design books. I have a Polynesian design almost identical, but the "fish" are more detailed with suggestions of scales and fins.

[macwilkin]

Information: The Finns also used the Swastika on their aircraft during the Russo-Finnish War of 1939-40:

http://www.virtualpilots.fi/en/featu...able_swastika/

And, here is a nice article about the history of the Maltese Cross:

http://www2.prestel.co.uk/church/oosj/cross.htm

Cheers,

Todd

[Eujeankilt]

I believe the Hopi used the swastika as well, (but the arms went opposite of the Nazi swastika). Riverkilt could probably verify that.


Dale

[Tartan Hiker]

I believe the Hopi used the swastika as well, (but the arms went opposite of the Nazi swastika). Riverkilt could probably verify that.


Dale

I'm not Riverkilt, but you are correct. Many Native American groups used a swastika-like symbol, including many here in the southeastern US...the Mississippian period mound-building cultures in particular.

[Warlock]

Every culture including the Isrealites used the swastika at one time or another. It seems to have been a truely Universal symbol.

[macwilkin]

I'm not Riverkilt, but you are correct. Many Native American groups used a swastika-like symbol, including many here in the southeastern US...the Mississippian period mound-building cultures in particular.

It [the swastika] was also on the pre-WWII insignia of the 45th Division, since the 45th came out of the National Guards from the Southwest. Later, the insignia was changed to a Thunderbird:

http://www.ok.ngb.army.mil/45InfBde/swastika.htm

It was also used on some of the planes of the famous Lafayette Escadrille, American volunteers who flew for France during WWI.

Cheers,

Todd