Owl Figure

About this object

History of use

coin bank

Narrative

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.

Iconographic meaning

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.

Physical description

Large egg-shaped owl bank with large money slot at back of head is made from pale orange clay that is slipped and burnished white with the base speckled in orange. Black feather pattern has been hand painted over the lower portion of the body while the head area is undecorated save for the open beak, small eyes surrounded with long lashes and the close-set slightly convex ears, all in orange.