Owl Figure Item Number: 2731/23 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Hand coiled orange clay pottery owl coin bank. Body shape is slightly different from the norm, head sits forward, leaving more space at back for money slot at base of neck. Hand painted in thick brushstokes of dark orange and dark brown over a cream slipped background. Body covered with feather pattern and spots. Mouth is open wide with top beak painted up to little horn-like ears. Eyes on the sides have protruding pupils and short fat lashes. Label glued onto base.

History Of Use

coin bank

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

What

Name
Owl Figure
Identification Number
2731/23
Type of Item
figure
Material
clay and paint
Overall
height 7.0 cm, width 6.2 cm, depth 7.5 cm

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
Collected in
Tucson, Arizona, USA

When

Creation Date
during 1920
Collection Date
during March 2006
Ownership Date
before February 24, 2009 and between March 1, 2006 and February 24, 2009
Acquisition Date
on February 24, 2009

Other

Item Classes
ceramics
Condition
fair
Accession Number
2731/0023