Owl Figure Item Number: 2731/182 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Gourd shaped, pale orange clay owl is hand made and hand painted black and orange over a beige background. Lower portion of body is covered with a feather design of interlocking U-shapes, upper area is heavily spotted, and the stubby wings and tail are striped with thick lines. Beak loops down over large mouth opening with painted red rim.
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 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA during April 1999
- Owned by Daniel Ma before February 24, 2009
- Owned by David Evans between April 3, 1999 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
- Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
When
- Collection Date
- during April 1999
- Ownership Date
- before February 24, 2009 and between April 3, 1999 and February 24, 2009
- Acquisition Date
- on February 24, 2009
Other
- Item Classes
- ceramics
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 2731/0182