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 standing on two feet. Details are hand painted in brown and red on a white background. Body is covered with mesh-like pattern of feathers. Upper surface of wings and tail are striped. Two-tone ears and an open hooked beak joined at tip protrude from top. Eyes are painted rings around a circular pupil with multiple short eyelashes, and a broken circle of curved lines that extend up and over the top of the head.