Owl Figure Item Number: 2731/181 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Egg-shaped gray clay owl, with round hole in base, is hand painted in brown and orange over a creamy beige burnished background. Overlapping feather pattern covers lower body with slanting striped wings and fanned stripes on the tail, and head has curly U-shaped feathers overall. Eyes are surrounded with v-shaped lashes.
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 Zuni Pueblo, New Mexico, USA
- Collected in Denver, Colorado, USA during February 2006
- Owned by Daniel Ma before February 24, 2009
- Owned by David Evans between February 8, 2006 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
- Zuni Pueblo, New Mexico, USA
- Collected in
- Denver, Colorado, USA
When
- Collection Date
- during February 2006
- Ownership Date
- before February 24, 2009 and between February 8, 2006 and February 24, 2009
- Acquisition Date
- on February 24, 2009
Other
- Item Classes
- ceramics
- Condition
- fair
- Current Location
- Case 88
- Accession Number
- 2731/0181