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.

Miniature egg-shaped clay owl is hand painted in brownish black and red over a white background. Feathers are overlapping scallops on the body and speckled dashes on the head. Tiny pointed ears, beak with open nostrils and star-like eyes are painted red and highlighted by a broken outline.