Owl Figure

pepper shaker ?

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 orange clay pottery owl shaker has a circular opening at top of head, one under beak with two nostrils, and one at the base. Details are hand painted in dark brown and red on a white slipped background. Scallop feathers cover egg-shaped body, stubby wings and tail are heavily outlined and have two dark stripes on one side. Large pyramidal two-tone ears and pinched beak crown the top of the head and a thick ring with multiple short eyelashes surrounds white eye with dark pupil.