Owl still bank c. 1915

This owl still bank was made out of clay by A’shiwi (Zuni) artists. I'm picturing the artist working with their hands, shaping the clay, pushing and pulling, feeling the texture transform under their touch. The brown lines mimic the way feathers might sit on an owl's body. They've drawn the lines with a practiced hand, making something solid and soft at the same time. A rounded body and wide open mouth give the owl a cute and inquisitive appearance. I want to be its friend! Look at that coin slot—it’s like the owl is offering you something, a little gift in its wing. You know, folk art like this reminds us that art can be part of everyday life, holding our savings, embodying stories. It shows how we can create these objects that are both practical and deeply meaningful. It’s like the artist is having a chat with us, across time, about values, beliefs, and the simple joys of making.