Owl Figure Item Number: 2731/1 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Hand coiled yellow clay pottery owl. Details are hand painted in brown and red over a buff slipped and polished background. Mesh-like feather patterning covers lower body to top of beak. Stubby horizontal wings and tail are striped on both sides. Eyes are painted rings with half moon white centres surrounded by 11 v-shaped eyelashes. V-shapes on top of head. Small conical ears and open beak protrude from 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 Newark, Deleware, USA during April 2006
- Owned by Daniel Ma before February 24, 2009
- Owned by David Evans between April 2006 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
- Newark, Deleware, USA
When
- Collection Date
- during April 2006
- Ownership Date
- before February 24, 2009 and between April 2006 and February 24, 2009
- Acquisition Date
- on February 24, 2009
Other
- Item Classes
- ceramics
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 2731/0001