Owl Figure Item Number: 2731/17 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Roughly formed hand coiled gray clay pottery owl standing on two feet. Details are thickly hand painted in brown over a beige slipped background. Lower body and entire head are unpainted, the feather pattern with centre dots beginning at belly level and extending to the head. Vertical wings protrude slightly, as do the ears and remnants of a beak. Eyes are a simple dot. Mouth is open and there is a large hole under the tail.
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 before 1900
- Collected in Prescott, Arizona, USA during April 2003
- Owned by Daniel Ma before February 24, 2009
- Owned by David Evans between April 8, 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
- Creation Date
- before 1900
- Collection Date
- during April 2003
- Ownership Date
- before February 24, 2009 and between April 8, 2003 and February 24, 2009
- Acquisition Date
- on February 24, 2009
Other
- Item Classes
- ceramics
- Condition
- fair
- Current Location
- Case 88
- Accession Number
- 2731/0017