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 pinkish clay pottery owl signed by artist. Details are hand painted in brown and red on a white slipped and polished background. Scalloped feather pattern covers most of body, curled lines appear below eyes and on head. Wings are striped, duck foot symbol is painted on tail. Eyes are double rings around a centre pupil with eyelashes only on the tip. Small two-tone conical ears protrude from head, as does striped, hooked beak, tips barely open.