Owl Figure Item Number: 2731/78 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Pear-shaped owl made of coarse orange clay, with tightly knit feather pattern hand painted in reddish brown onto a beige background, has large black spot on belly. Wings and tail have large dots on the underside and stripes on the other. Tw-tone orange and brown mouth, ears and crooked beak with brown fringe fill head area.
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.
Item History
- Made in New Mexico, USA
- Collected in Prescott, Arizona, USA during June 2003
- Owned by Daniel Ma before February 24, 2009
- Owned by David Evans between June 22, 2003 and February 24, 2009
- Received from David Evans (Donor) and Daniel Ma (Donor) on February 24, 2009
What
Who
- Culture
- Zuni
- Previous Owner
- Daniel Ma and David Evans
- Received from
- David Evans (Donor) and Daniel Ma (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- New Mexico, USA
- Collected in
- Prescott, Arizona, USA
When
- Collection Date
- during June 2003
- Ownership Date
- before February 24, 2009 and between June 22, 2003 and February 24, 2009
- Acquisition Date
- on February 24, 2009
Other
- Item Classes
- ceramics
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 2731/0078