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.

Gourd shaped clay owl is hand made and hand painted white with dark brown and orange body detailing. Most of body is covered with feather patterning, leaving only the small flat area above the closed beak plain. Eyes with two-tone eyelashes look up from in front of ears joined together in a solid band of orange and brown.