Owl Figure Item Number: 2731/122 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Round 'dreaming' owl with thin loop orange beak and recessed eye area has brown and black mottling and details hand painted in black directly onto fired orange clay with luminescent particulates. Closed eyes with lashes are encircled with three broken rings.
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 Lynelle Besselente (Maker) in New Mexico, USA during 2006
- Collected in Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA during January 2007
- Owned by Daniel Ma before February 24, 2009
- Owned by David Evans between January 31, 2007 and February 24, 2009
- Received from David Evans (Donor) and Daniel Ma (Donor) on February 24, 2009
What
Who
- Culture
- Zuni
- Creator
- Lynelle Besselente (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
- Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
When
- Creation Date
- during 2006
- Collection Date
- during January 2007
- Ownership Date
- before February 24, 2009 and between January 31, 2007 and February 24, 2009
- Acquisition Date
- on February 24, 2009
Other
- Item Classes
- ceramics
- Condition
- excellent
- Accession Number
- 2731/0122