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A circle with four groups of four rays.
Also known as: Zia symbol, New Mexico sun symbol, Zia Pueblo sun, Circle with groups of rays
The Zia sun is a sacred symbol of Zia Pueblo, and it was placed on the New Mexico state flag in 1925 without the Pueblo's permission. Zia Pueblo has sought recognition and compensation for its use, which is an unresolved matter rather than a historical footnote.
Denotes a sacred symbol of Zia Pueblo: a circle with four groups of four rays radiating at the cardinal directions.
Contexts: History
Was adopted for the flag of New Mexico in 1925 without the permission of Zia Pueblo, which has since sought recognition and compensation for its use.
Zia Pueblo has stated that the symbol was taken without consent and has pursued the question through state and federal channels. The matter is not settled. This entry records the symbol, its origin and the dispute, and takes no position on the claim.
Contexts: History
Groups its rays in fours throughout — four directions, four seasons, four times of day, four stages of life — which is the structure the symbol encodes.
Contexts: History
A solid circle with four groups of four straight rays extending from it at the four cardinal points, the rays of each group of equal length.