Owl Figure Item Number: 2731/160 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Pear-shaped orange clay owl is hand made with black and orange body detailing thickly hand painted over a cream background. Large overlapping feathers cover the body and tiny orange feet with three black painted toes peek out from beneath the belly. Huge eyes fill head area and the outline that starts at the triangular design around the beak drapes under them to the ears to three dots at back of the head.
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 Kissimmee, Florida, USA during September 2001
- Owned by David Evans and Daniel Ma before February 24, 2009
- Received from David Evans (Donor) and Daniel Ma (Donor) on February 24, 2009
What
Who
- Culture
- Zuni
- Previous Owner
- David Evans and Daniel Ma
- Received from
- David Evans (Donor) and Daniel Ma (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- New Mexico, USA
- Collected in
- Kissimmee, Florida, USA
When
- Collection Date
- during September 2001
- Ownership Date
- before February 24, 2009
- Acquisition Date
- on February 24, 2009
Other
- Item Classes
- ceramics
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 2731/0160