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. Details are precisely hand painted in black and red on a white slipped background. Body is squat and round, covered with mesh-like feather pattern, with long stripe-tipped wings and tail pointing down towards ground. Ears bud out from top of head, beak is looped long and projecting upward. Eyes are small rings with multiple long eyelashes, encircled by outline drawn from ear to beak. Beneath the tail and under the loop is a tiny hole.