Owl Figure
About this object
Narrative
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.
Iconographic meaning
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.
Physical description
Hand made, gourd-shaped orange clay owl leans to the right slightly with long, slanted striped wings and stubby fanned tail. Body details are hand painted in dark brown and rusty orange over a brownish beige white background. Mesh-like feather pattern expands and contracts around body and extends up between roughly shaped ears and around base of ridged pincer beak and bulging circular eyes.
Date Acquired
24 Feb 2009
How Acquired
Donated
Credit Line
The David Evans & Daniel Ma Southwest CollectionMore...
Measurements
Overall: 19.5 cm x 16.5 cm x 14 cm
Object Number
2731/192