Owl Figure Item Number: 2731/47 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Small, orange clay owl has mesh-like feathers, striped wings and tail, and large dots hand painted in brown over a tan background. Large, looping beak that projects out from top of head like a handle and raised, bulging eyes are brown and orange. Mouth has whiskers.
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.
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.