Zia (New Mexico)
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The Zia are an indigenous tribe located in New Mexico, U.S. that are known for their pottery and use of the Sun symbol.
[edit] 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.
[edit] 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.
