Owl Figure Item Number: 2731/186 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Vintage, barrel-chested white clay owl has details hand painted in brownish black, except for orange eyes and beak, over a whitish gray background. Head and underside of wings and tail are spotted and the body is covered with large, thickly outlined overlapping feathers. Beak is open and base is painted brown.
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 between 1940 and 1959
- Collected in San Francisco, California, USA during April 2001
- Owned by Daniel Ma before February 24, 2009
- Owned by David Evans between April 18, 2001 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
- San Francisco, California, USA
When
- Creation Date
- between 1940 and 1959
- Collection Date
- during April 2001
- Ownership Date
- before February 24, 2009 and between April 18, 2001 and February 24, 2009
- Acquisition Date
- on February 24, 2009
Other
- Item Classes
- ceramics
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 90
- Accession Number
- 2731/0186