Bobby Silas is a creative potter reviving ancient designs for his contemporary pottery. He had originally learned to make pottery in 2004-5 when he attended Zuni High School.  While he is Hopi-Tewa, he is again living in Zuni and has made a series of pieces inspired by classic Zuni shapes and designs.  This is a classic Zuni style clay owl. The piece is coil-built and shaped like an owl.  The feathers are painted and it is sculptural in appearance with a great face!  One thing you might notice on the jar is how the clay shows through the white slip.  Bobby does this on purpose as he wants his pieces to have a similar look to historic Zuni pieces not quite such a “refined” appearance.  It’s great to see him reviving these designs with such strength, delving into the past for inspiration.  The jar is signed on the bottom, “Silas”.