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.

Pale orange clay pottery owl with details hand painted in brownish black and dark red on a white slipped background. Stylized mesh-like feathers cover egg-shaped body, features in the head are outlined with a series of broken dashes and stubby wings and tail are heavily outlined with stripes on one side. Large pyramidal two-tone ears and pinched beak point up from top of the head and a thick ring with multiple short eyelashes surrounds a pupil in a white circle.