Owl Figure Item Number: 2731/184 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Gourd-shaped, gray clay owl has hand painted body details in brown and red over a thick creamy white slip. Body is completely covered with overlapping feather pattern and large red spots. Bulging pupils are set atop white within a large red circle outlined in brown. Beak hangs down front to touch bottom lip.
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 between 1920 and 1929
- Collected in Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA during April 2004
- Owned by Daniel Ma before February 24, 2009
- Owned by David Evans between April 4, 2004 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
- Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
When
- Creation Date
- between 1920 and 1929
- Collection Date
- during April 2004
- Ownership Date
- before February 24, 2009 and between April 4, 2004 and February 24, 2009
- Acquisition Date
- on February 24, 2009
Other
- Item Classes
- ceramics
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 90
- Accession Number
- 2731/0184