Owl Figure Item Number: 2731/157 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Modern, elongated egg-shaped, light orange clay owl is hand painted with black and red body detailing over a matte creamy white background. Large overlapping feathers get progressively smaller as design moves up to head. Long conical ears and pincer-like sharp beak are highly polished red.
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 Brian Tsethlikai (Maker) in New Mexico, USA between 1995 and 2007
- Collected in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA during 2007
- Owned by Daniel Ma before February 24, 2009
- Owned by David Evans between December 28, 2007 and February 24, 2009
- Received from David Evans (Donor) and Daniel Ma (Donor) on February 24, 2009
What
Who
- Culture
- Zuni
- Creator
- Brian Tsethlikai (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
- Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
When
- Creation Date
- between 1995 and 2007
- Collection Date
- during 2007
- Ownership Date
- before February 24, 2009 and between December 28, 2007 and February 24, 2009
- Acquisition Date
- on February 24, 2009
Other
- Item Classes
- ceramics
- Condition
- excellent
- Accession Number
- 2731/0157