A third basic form for the Zuni Sunface is an oblong or oval shape. The Sunface’s face remains center to the piece, but the outer design is created to give a wider setting. This is typically seen on bracelets and bolo ties. It is more rarely seen in other forms of jewelry. This image gives an even stronger symbolism to the eagle. The wider spread of the setting can represent the wings spreading wide to take flight. Another interpretation is that the wider sections represent the arms of the Sunface reaching out to embrace the world and the Zuni people.
I’ve only scratched the surface of the fantastic Sunface discussing just a few of the common designs and only several suggestions as to the importance it will have to the artist who created it and the person who wears it. Of course there are thousands, and maybe millions of different styles of Sunfaces, each as unique as its artist and its wearer.
I hop that you have enjoyed these past few posts about turquoise jewelry, and specifically, the Zuni Sunface.