This is the third in a series of four articles concerning the Zuni Sunface; a very popular style of turquoise jewelry.  Beyond the center face, the overall Zuni Sunface design can take on several forms. The most common is the full circle. In this design the center face will be surrounded by a fully symmetrical design typically accented by a feather like design. These feathers will often be split and represented by two or more cabochons. This design creates several meanings. First, the most obvious is the form of the Sun itself; the central Sunface surrounded by beams of light, shining down upon the Zuni. Another interpretation is that the feather design offers the Sunface freedom to soar and glide through the sky thus enabling him to create sunrise and sunset. From this comes another interpretation – the Sunface associated with birds, and most commonly the eagle. Thus, as an eagle, the Sunface is both wise and powerful.
The second basic form for the Sunface is where the outer circular design does not complete a full circle. Instead it stops around the 5 o’clock and 7 o’clock positions. This gives the appearance of a headdress. Two feather designs, almost like earrings, are usually found in this style as well. This style is no more or less important that the full circular design. This style represents the Sunface as a decorated god, wearing a headdress and can be thought to show Sunface decorated as a god. Another interpretation is that the partial circular design represents the sky as seen above a horizon. The earring like feather design can be the clouds and rain, giving life to the earth. When worn as a ring or bracelet, the wearer’s fingers or wrist can then represent the earth.