Sunface design in Hopi and Zuni artwork
Zuni Sunface Symbol

Sunface


The Sunface is an ancient symbol in Zuni culture, where it represents the sacred Sun Father. The Zuni have always honored the Sun’s vital role in the cycling of seasons and the success of crops, recognizing that the Sun’s warmth sustains life, enables growth, and brings joy and prosperity to the people. The symbol’s round motif depicts the Sun with a forehead split down the middle to reflect the eternal balance between sunrise and sunset. Rectangular eyes and a round mouth complete the face, and the whole is encircled by feathers that radiate outward like sunlight.

For centuries the Sunface design has appeared on a variety of surfaces and objects, but in its most cherished traditional form it’s composed of precious stones that are as meaningful as they are beautiful. The turquoise in the upper-right represents oneness between the physical and spiritual realms; the coral alongside it offers protection and comfort. The Sun’s main face is made of mother of pearl, which embodies intuition and imagination, while the black jet of fossilized wood completes the face’s features. Together these four materials and their vividly contrasting colors balance each other within a unified circle. 

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  • George Toya Orange Pueblo Prayer Travel Mug
    George Toya Orange Pueblo Prayer Travel Mug - Shumakolowa Native Arts
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  • George Toya Pueblo Prayer Mug
    George Toya Pueblo Prayer Mug-Indian Pueblo Store
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  • George Toya Turquosie Pueblo Prayer Gift Set
    George Toya Turquosie Pueblo Prayer Gift Set - Shumakolowa Native Arts
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  • George Toya Turquoise Pueblo Prayer Travel Mug
    George Toya Turquoise Pueblo Prayer Travel Mug - Shumakolowa Native Arts
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  • Bob Pedro Multi-Gemstone Inlay Sunface Cluster Bracelet
    Bob Pedro Multi-Gemstone Inlay Sunface Cluster Bracelet-Indian Pueblo Store
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    $ 500.00
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  • Stanley Gene Overlay Sunface Dangle Earrings
    Stanley Gene Overlay Sunface Dangle Earrings-Indian Pueblo Store
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  • Jose and Dora Massie Sunface Inlay Buckle
    Jose and Dora Massie Sunface Inlay Buckle-Indian Pueblo Store
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    $ 486.00
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  • Wayne Haloo Sunface Inlay Pendant
    Wayne Haloo Sunface Inlay Pendant-Indian Pueblo Store
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    $ 30.00
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  • Mallery Quetawki Sunface Card Set
    Mallery Quetawki Sunface Card Set-Indian Pueblo Store
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    $ 31.00
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  • Mallery Quetawki Mini Winged Card Set
    Mallery Quetawki Mini Wings Card Set-Indian Pueblo Store
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    $ 18.00
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  • Mallery Quetawki Mini Sunface Card Set
    Mallery Quetawki Mini Sunface Card Set-Indian Pueblo Store
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    $ 18.00
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