Owl Figure Item Number: 2731/172 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Gourd-shaped, light orange clay owl piggy bank has horizontal money slot below the conical red and dark brown ears on back of head. White slipped body is covered with brownish black, hand painted, thickly outlined feathers that extend up around mouth and orange handle-like beak to bottom of large eyes. Head area is spotted and wings and tail have thin stripes on top surface, no decoration on the bottom.
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
- Made in New Mexico, USA during 1935
- Collected in Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA during June 2001
- Owned by Daniel Ma before February 24, 2009
- Owned by David Evans between June 29, 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
- Collected in
- Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
When
- Creation Date
- during 1935
- Collection Date
- during June 2001
- Ownership Date
- before February 24, 2009 and between June 29, 2001 and February 24, 2009
- Acquisition Date
- on February 24, 2009
Other
- Item Classes
- ceramics
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 2731/0172