Owl Figure Item Number: 2731/95 a-b from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Pair of egg-shaped, burnished white clay owl salt (b) and pepper (a) shakers, each with a large hole beneath the tail and the letter 'S' or 'P' respectively winding around four holes in the head. Both have body details hand painted in black over the white background and the protruding beak and ears are dark red. Eyes are star-like with four long and two short lashes.
History Of Use
salt & pepper shakers
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
- Collected during 2001
- Owned by Daniel Ma before February 24, 2009
- Owned by David Evans between December 15, 2001 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
- New Mexico, USA
When
- Collection Date
- during 2001
- Ownership Date
- before February 24, 2009 and between December 15, 2001 and February 24, 2009
- Acquisition Date
- on February 24, 2009
Other
- Item Classes
- ceramics
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 2731/0095 a-b