Owl Figure

Pottery owls became important tourist items when the railroad and then Route 66 allowed for large numbers of tourists to travel to the Southwest. This collection of 192 Zuni pottery owls includes examples from before 1900 through 2006. Zuni potters continue to make owls and family traditions in the medium continue. While many younger potters are innovating, the owls are distinctly Zuni.

In traditional Zuni lore, the owl is considered a wise guardian and protector. An owl’s ability to see at night means that it sees what others cannot, giving it understanding of the spiritual and physical world.

Miniature hand made clay pottery owl with details painted in dark brown and red over a white background Curvy-line feathers completely speckle an egg-shaped body. Horizontal tail, with small hole beneath it, and wings placed close to the front are striped on top side. From the top of the head, long pointed beak curves out and overlaps the pointed lip. Eyes are thickly outlined and have ten long eyelashes. Ears are small red bumps.