Owl Decoy

Object Details

Artist

Unidentified

Luce Center Label

North American hunters have used decoys for centuries. Native Americans made decoys from reeds, clay, and stuffed skins to lure migrating birds within range of their arrows or spears. European pioneers adopted this technique, and by the early nineteenth century both commercial and sport hunters used carved wooden decoys. Craftsmen shape and decorate decoys either to imitate the desired bird’s prey or “trick” them into thinking it is safe to land.

Credit Line

Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Herbert Waide Hemphill, Jr. and museum purchase made possible by Ralph Cross Johnson

early 20th century

Object number

1986.65.59

Restrictions & Rights

CC0

Type

Sculpture

Folk Art

Medium

carved and painted wood, leather, and glass

Dimensions

14 1/2 x 5 1/4 x 5 1/4 in. (36.8 x 13.3 x 13.3 cm.)

See more items in

Smithsonian American Art Museum Collection

Department

Painting and Sculpture

On View

Smithsonian American Art Museum, Luce Foundation Center, 3rd Floor, 28A

Smithsonian American Art Museum, Luce Foundation Center

Smithsonian American Art Museum, Luce Foundation Center, 3rd Floor

Smithsonian American Art Museum

Topic

Animal\bird\owl

Record ID

saam_1986.65.59

Metadata Usage (text)

CC0

GUID (Link to Original Record)

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/vk743b4f880-7190-4816-8650-c335cc2f73ee