Owl Figure Item Number: 2731/7 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Hand coiled gray clay pottery owl. Details are hand painted in brown and orange on a beige slipped background. Splotched feathers cover entire body. Tail and vertical wings are striped on one side, plain on the other. Head is outlined with scalloped fringe. Conical ears protrude from top. Beak is more like a snout with a long painted strip on top. ringed eyes on either side.
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 Chatsworth, California, USA during March 2007
- Owned by Daniel Ma before February 24, 2009
- Owned by David Evans between March 22, 2007 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
- Chatsworth, California, USA
When
- Collection Date
- during March 2007
- Ownership Date
- before February 24, 2009 and between March 22, 2007 and February 24, 2009
- Acquisition Date
- on February 24, 2009
Other
- Item Classes
- ceramics
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 2731/0007