Zuni Pueblo Owl Figurine with Pair of Owlets [SOLD]

Interestingly, the potter painted Zuni on the bottom of the figurine, but did not put her name as well.  The style of the figurine, with feet on which to stand, would suggest a date of pre-1950 for this.  Later ones eliminated the feet and had the owl sitting on the bottom of the body. The most famous potter at Zuni known for making owl figurines was Nellie Bica, but this figurine does not feature eyes of the style that Bica painted, so the potter will remain unknown for the present. The two baby owlets are facing inward toward each other, a style that may be identifiable to a specific potter.

Since the mid-1800s, Zuni Pueblo potters have been making effigy vessels and figurines. Owl figurines have always been a favorite. In 1879, Alexander Stevenson collected, for the Smithsonian, figurines, including an owl. 

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Zuni Pueblo Owl Figurine with Pair of Owlets is from the estate of a Santa Fe family, formerly from Arizona

Recommended Reading: The Pottery of Zuni Pueblo by Francis H. Harlow and Dwight Lanmon

Question:  What do you call a baby owl? An owlet, of course.