Owl Figure Item Number: 2731/187 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Egg-shaped orange clay owl has body details hand painted in black and orange over a white background that has been mottled with orange. Thick flat wings slope down to tail with hole beneath it, all striped on the underside. Thick ear cones and large pincer-like beak with tiny mouth dominate the face area.
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 Roland Booqha (Maker) in New Mexico, USA
- Owned by David Evans and Daniel Ma before February 24, 2009
- Received from David Evans (Donor) and Daniel Ma (Donor) on February 24, 2009
What
Who
- Culture
- Zuni
- Creator
- Roland Booqha (Maker)
- Previous Owner
- David Evans and Daniel Ma
- Received from
- David Evans (Donor) and Daniel Ma (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- New Mexico, USA
When
- Ownership Date
- before February 24, 2009
- Acquisition Date
- on February 24, 2009
Other
- Item Classes
- ceramics
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 2731/0187