Zia people (New Mexico)
The Zia are an indigenous tribe located in New Mexico, U.S. that are known for their pottery and use of the Sun symbol.
Pottery
The pottery of Zia Pueblo consists of geometric designs with plant and animal motifs on white backgrounds. Some of the pottery is thin-walled pottery with Zia bird symbols.
The Sun Symbol
The Zia Indians of New Mexico regard the Sun as a sacred symbol. Their symbol, a red circle with groups of rays pointing in four directions, is painted on ceremonial vases, drawn on the ground around campfires, and used to introduce newborns to the Sun. Four is the sacred number of the Zia and can be found repeated in the four points radiating from the circle. The number four is embodied in:
- the four points of the compass (north, south, east, and west);
- the four seasons of the year (spring, summer, autumn and winter);
- the four periods of each day (morning, noon, evening and night);
- the four seasons of life (childhood, youth, middle years and old age); and
- the Zia's belief that with life comes four sacred obligations one must develop (a strong body, a clear mind, a pure spirit, and a devotion to the welfare of others).
The symbol is featured on the Flag of New Mexico and in the design of the New Mexico State Capitol.