Owl Figure
Item number 2731/15 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.
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- 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
Hand coiled white clay pottery owl. Details are precisely hand painted in black and red on a white slipped background. Body is squat and round, covered with mesh-like feather pattern, with long stripe-tipped wings and tail pointing down towards ground. Ears bud out from top of head, beak is looped long and projecting upward. Eyes are small rings with multiple long eyelashes, encircled by outline drawn from ear to beak. Beneath the tail and under the loop is a tiny hole.
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 by Dawn Allopowa (Maker) in New Mexico, USA between 1990 and 2000
- Collected in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA during April 2000
- Owned by Daniel Ma before February 24, 2009
- Owned by David Evans between April 10, 200 and February 24, 2009
- Received from David Evans (Donor) and Daniel Ma (Donor) on February 24, 2009
What
- Name
- Owl Figure
- Identification Number
- 2731/15
- Type of Item
- figure
- Material
- clay and paint
- Overall
- height 6.5 cm, width 6.0 cm, depth 5.0 cm
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- New Mexico, USA
- Collected in
- Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
Who
- Culture
- Zuni
- Creator
- Dawn Allopowa (Maker)
- Previous Owner
- Daniel Ma and David Evans
- Received from
- David Evans (Donor) and Daniel Ma (Donor)
When
- Creation Date
- between 1990 and 2000
- Collection Date
- during April 2000
- Ownership Date
- before February 24, 2009 and between April 10, 200 and February 24, 2009
- Acquisition Date
- on February 24, 2009
Other
- Item Classes
- ceramics
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 90
- Accession Number
- 2731/0015
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