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.

Somewhat misshapen, vintage hand made orange clay owl is hand painted in red and light brown over a tan background. Red paint covers base and bottom portion of body, the rest is decorated with a variety of curly feather motifs and the wings and tail are striped. The thick beak drapes down the front like an elephant trunk and eyes bulge above it.