Owl Figure Item Number: 2731/29 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Hand coiled gray clay pottery owl. Details hand painted in similar tones of brown, orange and red on a burnished background of silver and gray. Mesh-like patterning of feathers on body extends up the back of the head and to the lower lip of the beak. Stubby tail and vertically extended wings protrude near the base and are striped on top side, spotted on bottom. From the spotted head, multi-lashed and double ringed eyes rise slightly in front of the comical ears. The beak once hooked over a hidden hole, now the mouth appears wide open.

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

What

Name
Owl Figure
Identification Number
2731/29
Type of Item
figure
Material
clay and paint
Overall
height 6.0 cm, width 5.5 cm, depth 5.5 cm

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
Mimbres, New Mexico, USA

When

Collection Date
during 2005
Ownership Date
before February 24, 2009 and between December 5, 2005 and February 24, 2009
Acquisition Date
on February 24, 2009

Other

Item Classes
ceramics
Condition
fair
Accession Number
2731/0029