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.

Large, light, egg-shaped owl stands on legs with black feet that have three pronged toes front and a spur toe at back. Head area has been left unglazed with the dark orange and black details hand painted directly onto the fired orange clay and the rest of the body has black scallop feathers over a white background. Very large eyes stare upwards and make the loop beak, flattened ears ,wings and tail seem small in comparison.