This "Whirlwinds" design is an ancient protective symbol invoking both the sun and the wind.  It appears on a Greek vase from about 800 BC, it is drawn on barns in Scandinavia on Saint John's Day (Midsummer) to protect the animals and it is found on Mississippian Mound Builder artifacts dating about 1000 AD. Like all Mandala symbols it points to an experience beyond words.