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 owlÔÇÖs ability to see at night means that it sees what others cannot, giving it understanding of the spiritual and physical world.

Miniature hand made orange clay pottery owl. Details are hand painted in black and dusty pink on a white background. Long striped wings stretch from neck to tip of tail at base and frame a round belly from beneath which feet peek out. The head is triangulated by painted "horns" that extend from top of tiny closed-loop beak to back of head. Big eyes are fringed with multiple eyelashes. Hole in base.