Owl Figure Item Number: 2731/170 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Egg-shaped orange clay owl has hand painted body detailing in light chocolate brown and red over a cream background. Overlapping feather patterning covers body, vertical wings and sloping tail while the head area is undecorated. Bulging eyes with rotating eyelashes are set low in the face beside a perfectly round open mouth with short beak perched above it.
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 Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA during October 2002
- Owned by Daniel Ma before February 24, 2009
- Owned by David Evans between October 23, 2002 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
- Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
When
- Collection Date
- during October 2002
- Ownership Date
- before February 24, 2009 and between October 23, 2002 and February 24, 2009
- Acquisition Date
- on February 24, 2009
Other
- Item Classes
- ceramics
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 2731/0170