Owl Figure

Item number 2731/19 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Description

Roughly formed, hand coiled red clay pottery owl salt shaker with four holes in head and a large hole in base. Details are crudely hand painted in brown and red on a buff slipped background, the base is unpainted. Feather pattern covers most of body, dissimilar wings and tail are striped on one side. Circular ears and eyes with multi-lashed ring protrude slightly from head top. Two-tone open beak.

History Of Use

salt shaker

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.