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. Collector purchased this owl from the Agape Southwest Pueblo Pottery store, in Albuquerque.

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 owl. Details are hand painted in brown and pale orange over a white slipped and polished background. Mesh-like pattern of feathers covers lower body to top of beak. Stubby vertical wings and tail are striped on both sides. Conical ears and a large two-tone loop beak protrude from head. Eyes are painted, outlined circles with half moon white centres surrounded by 8 v-shaped eyelashes. V-shapes speckle back of head. There is a small round hole under beak and below tail.