Zuni Pueblo Polychrome Owl Pottery Figurine [SOLD]

This Zuni Pueblo seated owl pottery figurine is very typical of the style made in the late 1800s and early 1900s.  This one appears to be from the early 1900s. It is covered from head to base with feathers, each of which has a black dot in its center.  The eyes are bulging and outlined in red pigment. The potter chose not to apply white slip to the ears and the nose section but she chose to leave those areas with the natural clay exposed. The underbody is black in the traditional Zuni manner.

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.  The earliest figurines were made in such a manner that the owl stood on its feet. Later, potters eliminated the feet and had the owls sitting on their legs. This owl is an especially nice one that was beautifully modeled. The painting of the features and feathers is excellent. The eyes are not just painted on but were sculpted prior to painting.

Condition: this Zuni Pueblo Polychrome Owl Pottery Figurine is in very good condition

Provenance: from the collection of a family from Albuquerque

Recommended Reading: Collections of Southwestern Pottery: Candlesticks to Canteens, Frogs to Figurines by Allan Hayes.

Relative Links: Historic Pottery, Zuni Pueblo, Southwest Indian Pottery Figurines