Owl Figure Item Number: 2731/30 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Hand coiled pale orange clay pottery owl. Details are hand painted in brown and red on a beige slipped background. Stylized mesh-like feathers cover a squat body and the wide sloping tail and wings that appear to extend forward slightly. Fat conical ears appear large for the head, multi-lashed eyes are slightly pointed with small beady pupils, and a two-tone beak protrudes above a thickly outlined mouth with three whiskers at each corner.
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 1998
- Owned by Daniel Ma before February 24, 2009
- Owned by David Evans between December 1998 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
- Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
When
- Collection Date
- during 1998
- Ownership Date
- before February 24, 2009 and between December 1998 and February 24, 2009
- Acquisition Date
- on February 24, 2009
Other
- Item Classes
- ceramics
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 2731/0030