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.

Teardrop-shaped, cream slipped, pale orange clay owl has mottling in reddish brown and black everywhere except tiny head area. Outlines of feathers, wings, tail, ears, nostrils and star like eyes are hand painted in black. Large wings and tail, striped on both sides, extend straight out from the body and there is a hole beneath tail.