Owl Figure Item Number: 2731/74 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Small, pear-shaped, red clay owl has beige body onto which wide overlapping feathers, tail and wings that are striped on one side and spotted on the other, rounded ears, and open beak have all been hand painted in brown. Eyes are red and there is a band of circles around the neck.
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 July 2004
- Owned by Daniel Ma before February 24, 2009
- Owned by David Evans between July 2, 2004 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 July 2004
- Ownership Date
- before February 24, 2009 and between July 2, 2004 and February 24, 2009
- Acquisition Date
- on February 24, 2009
Other
- Item Classes
- ceramics
- Condition
- fair
- Current Location
- Case 88
- Accession Number
- 2731/0074