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.

Hand coiled clay pottery owl. Details are hand painted in brown and red over a white slipped background. Close-knit mesh-like feathers cover fat egg-shaped body and underside of wings and tail, which are striped on top. Tiny two-tone ears and a small loop beak create a triangular head covered in short dashes of paint. Large pupils are ringed and multiple eyelash fringed, outlined with a broken circle.