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.

Tall, white clay 'storyteller' owl, with round head on top of egg-shaped body, has a total of ten smaller identical owls perched on its chest (2) or held in striped wings (4, 3) and tail (1) that curl up around their base . All have hand painted grayish black scallop feathers covering body and face area, triangular ears with red centres, and a black brow and beak that hooks over a pointed bottom lip. Adult owl has button eyes with red lashes set in recessed eye sockets while small owls have similar painted eyes.