Pueblo of Zia and the Sun Symbol

The Pueblo of Zia has stood along the Jemez River for centuries, and its people carry a history both ancient and scarred. In fifteen eighty-three, Spanish explorer Antonio de Espejo recorded it in the Province of Puname. The town was thriving then.

In sixteen eighty-nine, Spanish troops returning to reconquer New Mexico after the Pueblo Revolt sacked Zia with devastating force. Hundreds were killed. The population never fully recovered. Yet Zia survived, rebuilt, and continued. The people of Zia gave something to the state of New Mexico that is now seen everywhere: their ancient sun symbol, four rays pointing in four directions, was adopted as the New Mexico state flag in nineteen twenty-five. Every time you see the red and gold flag, you are looking at a Zia design that is centuries older than the state itself.