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 white clay pottery owl signed by artist. Details are hand painted in brown and dull red over a white slipped and polished background. Short tubular body, extended vertical wings and flat, protruding tail are all covered with a scalloped patterning of feathers. Two conical ears project out towards the sides from the head and the thick two-tone top beak protrudes out to the front. Mouth is wide open. Slightly bulging eyes are ringed with multiple short eyelashes.