Isleta Cross Necklaces

Isleta Cross Necklaces

Also called the Pueblo Cross, the Isleta Cross is a very old Pueblo design associated with the Isleta Pueblo. The double-bar cross design is said to have originated with the Moors and Spaniards. To the Pueblo Indians the double-bar cross represented the dragonfly and they adopted it as their own religious symbol.
The Isleta Pueblo is located in central New Mexico, on the east bank of the Rio Grande south of Albuquerque. It is on the same site as when it was discovered in 1540. It was the seat of the Franciscan mission of San Antonio de Isleta from approximately 1621 until the Pueblo revolt of 1680. The Spaniards captured the pueblo in 1681. In the late 1700’s, when Isleta was repopulated with native peoples, it became the mission of San Agustín de Isleta. Tiwa, a Tanoan language, is the tongue of the Isleta Pueblo.
Dragonfly inspires spiritually and creatively and helps us on the path of discovery and enlightenment. It spiritually embodies the stripping away all negativity that holds us back, helping us to achieve our dreams and goals. Dragonfly is the keeper of dreams, the energy within that sees all of our true potential and ability. Dragonfly reminds us that anything is possible.
It is believed this style Cross was first introduced while the Missions were being established and easily adopted by Pueblo People because of the association with their own symbolic beliefs rather than Christian beliefs (or a blend thereof). The Dragonfly was considered a medicine animal (Healing and Transformation) as well as a water animal sustaining life.