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, gourd-shaped pale orange clay owl has all details, except the rust red beak and eye, hand painted in black over a white background. The scallop feather pattern that covers most of the body and head area does not extend down to the base bottom. Both large bulging eyes and broad beak with black mouth are highlighted by a surrounding fringe of numerous lashes and whiskers.