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 clay pottery owl. All details, excepting a red beak, are hand painted in black on a white background. Wide, flat horizontal wings and tail are outlined with a double border and extend out from half way up the thimble-like body, which is covered with mesh-like feather pattern. At same level, at the front, a sharply pointed beak opens to expose large squared open mouth. The ears are conical and the eyes are simple painted dots.