Owl Figure Item Number: 2731/22 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Hand coiled red clay pottery owl. Details are hand painted in brown and red on a beige slipped and polished background, base is unpainted. Thick net-like feather pattern covers most of body. Upper side of wings and tail are striped, bottoms are spotted. Pointed conical ears are tipped in brown. Similar eyes are less pointed and fringed with eyelashes. Hooked top beak joins bottom lip. Stripes decorate top of 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 during 1925
- Collected in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA during July 2002
- Owned by Daniel Ma before February 24, 2009
- Owned by David Evans between July 6, 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
- Creation Date
- during 1925
- Collection Date
- during July 2002
- Ownership Date
- before February 24, 2009 and between July 6, 2002 and February 24, 2009
- Acquisition Date
- on February 24, 2009
Other
- Item Classes
- ceramics
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 88
- Accession Number
- 2731/0022