Owl Figure Item Number: 2731/125 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Fat, round, gourd-shaped orange clay owl standing on short legs with overly large four-toed duck-like feet is slipped white, with details hand painted in black and orange. Feather pattern has a mosaic quality to it, wings and stubby tail are striped, and the eyes are surrounded with two bands of spots. Large loop beak is two tone and divides face.
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 during 1910
- Collected in Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA during 2002
- Owned by Daniel Ma before February 24, 2009
- Owned by David Evans between December 24, 2002 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
- Collected in
- Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
When
- Creation Date
- during 1910
- Collection Date
- during 2002
- Ownership Date
- before February 24, 2009 and between December 24, 2002 and February 24, 2009
- Acquisition Date
- on February 24, 2009
Other
- Item Classes
- ceramics
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 90
- Accession Number
- 2731/0125