Artist Media Series
Living Artists
Historic
Bica, Nellie – Clay Owl (1970s)
3.25"w x 3.75"h
$ 175.00
Nellie Bica is considered one of the most famous Zuni potters of the mid-20th century. She is noted for her pottery owl figurines. In 1917, Nellie learned to make pottery: “My mother’s youngest sister taught me when I was in my teens. Owls were the first potteries I made. That’s the way they taught them in those days. I always put babies on my owls. I think I was one of the first to make owls with legs. Now my daughter and three granddaughters make them, too.” This is one of her classic owls with the lines or “eyelashes” around the eyes. The owls are coil built and slipped with white kaolin clay and then they were painted. The owl is signed on the bottom in the clay, “N. Bica.”. It is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.
Out of stock
Description
Nellie Bica is considered one of the most famous Zuni potters of the mid-20th century. She is noted for her pottery owl figurines. In 1917, Nellie learned to make pottery: “My mother’s youngest sister taught me when I was in my teens. Owls were the first potteries I made. That’s the way they taught them in those days. I always put babies on my owls. I think I was one of the first to make owls with legs. Now my daughter and three granddaughters make them, too.” This is one of her classic owls with the lines or “eyelashes” around the eyes. The owls are coil built and slipped with white kaolin clay and then they were painted. The owl is signed on the bottom in the clay, “N. Bica.”. It is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.