Owl Figure
Item number 2731/96 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.
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- Data
- Data Source
This information was automatically generated from data provided by MOA: University of British Columbia. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.
Description
Fat, hand made, gourd-shaped clay owl has painted orange bottom and stands on large orange triangular feet with their base painted black. Large recessed eyes are also orange; all other details are hand painted in black over the creamy white background. Owl has a large round opening between the ears, a white finger-like beak, and long striped wings.
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 1960
- Collected during 2006
- Owned by Daniel Ma before February 24, 2009
- Owned by David Evans between December 2006 and February 24, 2009
- Received from David Evans (Donor) and Daniel Ma (Donor) on February 24, 2009
What
- Name
- Owl Figure
- Identification Number
- 2731/96
- Type of Item
- figure
- Material
- clay and paint
- Overall
- height 22.0 cm, width 14.0 cm, depth 15.5 cm
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- New Mexico, USA
Who
- Culture
- Zuni
- Previous Owner
- Daniel Ma and David Evans
- Received from
- David Evans (Donor) and Daniel Ma (Donor)
When
- Creation Date
- during 1960
- Collection Date
- during 2006
- Ownership Date
- before February 24, 2009 and between December 2006 and February 24, 2009
- Acquisition Date
- on February 24, 2009
Other
- Item Classes
- ceramics
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 90
- Accession Number
- 2731/0096
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