In Native American culture, the geometric motif of the broken line (or zigzag) has several major meanings depending on its orientation and the context of its representation.

Most often, the broken line represents lightning, a serpent, or a mountain, symbolizing speed, the force of nature, and continuous movement.

Here are the main interpretations of this symbol according to Native American art traditions:

Lightning and the Thunderbird

Strength and Speed: A vertical or diagonal broken line imitates the trajectory of lightning. It embodies the raw power of nature and lightning-fast action.

The Thunderbird: Lightning is closely linked to this universal mythological creature among Indigenous peoples. Broken lines represent the flashes of lightning that erupt from its eyes when it blinks, heralding the nourishing rain for crops.

The Serpent

The Lifeline: Among several tribes, particularly in the American Southwest (such as the Hopi and the Zuni), the broken line symbolizes the serpent in motion. Far from being an evil symbol, the serpent is a spirit linked to water, fertility, and regeneration (through shedding its skin).

The Heartline (or Vital Line): On some animal fetishes, a broken line connects the mouth to the animal's heart to represent the breath of life and its strength.