Owl Figure

coin bank

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.

Gourd-shaped, orange clay owl piggy bank, with horizontal money slot behind head. is hand painted in black and orange over a cream background. Overlapping feather pattern extends up over neck and back of head, small face area around slightly recessed eye sockets is spotted. Large ridge of fringed beak hooks down from top of head to touch bottom lip.