Owl Figure Item Number: 2731/188 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Egg-shaped, orange clay owl, with an identical baby owl sitting on top of each striped wing, is hand painted in brown and dark orange over a cream white burnished background. Overlapping feather pattern that covers body expands as it stretches over the belly and makes a scalloped outline of the plain head area. Ears bulge out slightly, eyes stare straight up, and beak forms a large loop.
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 by Rudolph Laiteyse (Maker) in New Mexico, USA
- Collected in Midland, Texas, USA during July 2005
- Owned by Daniel Ma before February 24, 2009
- Owned by David Evans between July 12, 2005 and February 24, 2009
- Received from David Evans (Donor) and Daniel Ma (Donor) on February 24, 2009
What
Who
- Culture
- Zuni
- Creator
- Rudolph Laiteyse (Maker)
- 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
- Midland, Texas, USA
When
- Collection Date
- during July 2005
- Ownership Date
- before February 24, 2009 and between July 12, 2005 and February 24, 2009
- Acquisition Date
- on February 24, 2009
Other
- Item Classes
- ceramics
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 2731/0188