Owl Figure Item Number: 2731/108 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Slightly rounded, orange clay owl has creamy white slipped body onto which feather motifs have been hand painted in brown. Large red and brown beak curves from between stubby brown-tipped ears down over square mouth opening with side whiskers, like a handle. At base, on either side, is long, orange foot with three painted toes.
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.
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.