Owl Figure Item Number: 2731/32 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Miniature hand coiled pale yellow clay pottery owl. Details are very finely hand painted in black and orange. Base has thick circular outline. Stylized overlapping feathers decorate the lower section of the long body. Chest and head area is spotted with short brush strokes. Wings and tail are striped on both sides. A thick line drawn beneath large staring eyes with multiple lashes extends to a large dot at the back of the head. Black dot visible on one ear tip and small loop beak has painted nostrils.
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 USA during November 2001
- Owned by Daniel Ma before February 24, 2009
- Owned by David Evans between November 13, 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
- USA
When
- Collection Date
- during November 2001
- Ownership Date
- before February 24, 2009 and between November 13, 2001 and February 24, 2009
- Acquisition Date
- on February 24, 2009
Other
- Item Classes
- ceramics
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 88
- Accession Number
- 2731/0032