Owl Figure
Item number 2731/129 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.
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- Data
- Data Source
This information was automatically generated from data provided by MOA: University of British Columbia. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.
Description
Vintage, round and somewhat unstable, orange clay owl is hand made and hand painted in black over a white background, only the ears are red. Lower portion of body is covered with crowded feather patterning, upper part is spotted all over, and the asymmetrical wings and tail near the base are striped. Tiny eyes, knobby ears and base of beak perch in small area at the top.
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 between 1930 and 1939
- Collected during June 2004
- Owned by Daniel Ma before February 24, 2009
- Owned by David Evans between June 30, 2004 and February 24, 2009
- Received from David Evans (Donor) and Daniel Ma (Donor) on February 24, 2009
What
- Name
- Owl Figure
- Identification Number
- 2731/129
- Type of Item
- figure
- Material
- clay and paint
- Overall
- height 7.5 cm, width 9.0 cm, depth 6.5 cm
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- New Mexico, USA
Who
- Culture
- Zuni
- Previous Owner
- Daniel Ma and David Evans
- Received from
- David Evans (Donor) and Daniel Ma (Donor)
When
- Creation Date
- between 1930 and 1939
- Collection Date
- during June 2004
- Ownership Date
- before February 24, 2009 and between June 30, 2004 and February 24, 2009
- Acquisition Date
- on February 24, 2009
Other
- Item Classes
- ceramics
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 2731/0129
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