Owl Figure Item Number: 2731/173 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Vintage hand made gourd-shaped clay owl has a painted red base and details hand painted in brownish black and red over a beige brown background. Wings and tails are small ridges on the lower part of a body covered with large oval feathers with a line in their centres. Eyes have holes for pupils, ears are small, and beak projected above a large open mouth.
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 Marina del Rey, California, USA during January 2007
- Owned by Daniel Ma before February 24, 2009
- Owned by David Evans between January 8, 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
- Marina del Rey, California, USA
When
- Collection Date
- during January 2007
- Ownership Date
- before February 24, 2009 and between January 8, 2007 and February 24, 2009
- Acquisition Date
- on February 24, 2009
Other
- Item Classes
- ceramics
- Condition
- fair
- Current Location
- Case 88
- Accession Number
- 2731/0173