Owl Figure Item Number: 2731/167 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Pear-shaped orange clay owl, with up a baby owl on the tip of each striped wing, has widely-spaced short legs and stands on large orange feet, each with three toes front, one back spur and a hole in the base. Body details on all three owls are hand painted in dark brown and orange over a beige slipped background. Adult owl has five large spots on the top of her 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 during 1950
- Collected in Sandia Park, New Mexico, USA during June 2003
- Owned by Daniel Ma before February 24, 2009
- Owned by David Evans between June 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
- Sandia Park, New Mexico, USA
When
- Creation Date
- during 1950
- Collection Date
- during June 2003
- Ownership Date
- before February 24, 2009 and between June 8, 2003 and February 24, 2009
- Acquisition Date
- on February 24, 2009
Other
- Item Classes
- ceramics
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 90
- Accession Number
- 2731/0167