Owl Figure Item Number: 2731/114 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Slightly rounded tubular-shaped dark orange clay owl with hand painted white body. Rounded wings, with thickly painted edges, cup around each side of the brown feather covered body. Large raised triangular forehead, ears, long beak and conical eyes are unpainted clay.
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 Claudeen Haloo (Maker) in New Mexico, USA during 1999
- Collected in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA during February 2002
- Owned by Daniel Ma before February 24, 2009
- Owned by David Evans between February 8, 2002 and February 24, 2009
- Received from David Evans (Donor) and Daniel Ma (Donor) on February 24, 2009
What
Who
- Culture
- Zuni
- Creator
- Claudeen Haloo (Maker)
- 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
- New Mexico, USA
- Collected in
- Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
When
- Creation Date
- during 1999
- Collection Date
- during February 2002
- Ownership Date
- before February 24, 2009 and between February 8, 2002 and February 24, 2009
- Acquisition Date
- on February 24, 2009
Other
- Item Classes
- ceramics
- Condition
- excellent
- Accession Number
- 2731/0114