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 signed by artist. Details are hand painted in brown and orange on a white slipped background. Body is stubby and teardrop shaped, covered in a curly feather pattern, with wings and tail striped on top. Top of head is flattened with ears painted on both corners. Directly below are the rings of the eyes, fringed with eyelashes. The thick loop of the outlined beak protrudes out from the top.