Description
This is a small onyx Zia pendant from the New Mexico Collection. It is designed to be a contemporary rendition of the traditional Zia sun symbol that is present on the New Mexico state flag. The 16 “rays” of this symbol are bound with fine silver and fixed in place permanently using my signature methods.
Details
This onyx Zia pendant has a width of about 16 mm (5/8 inch) and a height of about 25 mm (1 inch). It comes with an 18 inch snake chain that is 1 mm thick.
Onyx
Onyx is actually a type of the mineral called chalcedony, along with agate. It is is usually a black stone, but can be white or banded as well. Onyx has been used in jewelry and stone carving since ancient times. It was also described by Pliny the Elder in his first-century publication, Naturalis Historia.
Follow the link below if you want further information about onyx.
The History and Meanings of The Zia Symbol
The Zia is revered as symbol of all things New Mexican by residents of the southwestern state, as well as visitors who appreciate it’s beautiful scenery and culture. Many also honor it’s origins as a sacred symbol.
The Zia was originally, and currently is, regarded as a sacred representation of the sun by the people of the Zia Pueblo in New Mexico. It is said to symbolize the four winds, four seasons, four directions, and four stages of life. The circle brings the four groups of four together.
In 1925 an anthropologist designed a flag for the State of New Mexico that incorporated the symbol, with the old Spanish colors of red and gold. This design was adopted as the official flag of New Mexico, and is still used today.
See more Zia pendants by following this link: New Mexico Collection
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