Owl Figure Item Number: 2731/163 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Pear-shaped orange clay owl has dark brown and red body details hand painted over a creamy background. Eyes with half moon pupils and v-shaped lashes are set low beside beak that fills most of face front. Head area is covered with curled feathers and body has overlapping pattern.
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 Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA during October 2003
- 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
- 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
- Collected in
- Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
When
- Collection Date
- during October 2003
- Ownership Date
- before February 24, 2009
- Acquisition Date
- on February 24, 2009
Other
- Item Classes
- ceramics
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 2731/0163