Owl Figure Item Number: 2731/146 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Slightly gourd-shaped, orange clay owl has base and details hand painted in dark red and chocolate brown over a cream background. Body is slightly misshapen and whiskered loop beak is crooked, making it seem that head looks to one side. Irregular dabs of paint represent feathers and back of vertical wings are striped.
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 1900 and 1920
- Collected in Chatsworth, California, USA during February 2007
- Owned by Daniel Ma before February 24, 2009
- Owned by David Evans between February 13, 2007 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
- Chatsworth, California, USA
When
- Creation Date
- between 1900 and 1920
- Collection Date
- during February 2007
- Ownership Date
- before February 24, 2009 and between February 13, 2007 and February 24, 2009
- Acquisition Date
- on February 24, 2009
Other
- Item Classes
- ceramics
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 2731/0146