Owl Decoy

Unidentified, Owl Decoy, early 20th century, carved and painted wood, leather, and glass, 14 ¹⁄₂ x 5 ¹⁄₄ x 5 ¹⁄₄ in. (36.8 x 13.3 x 13.3 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Herbert Waide Hemphill, Jr. and museum purchase made possible by Ralph Cross Johnson, 1986.65.59

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Artwork Details

Title: Owl Decoy
Artist: Unidentified
Date: early 20th century
Location: Smithsonian American Art Museum
/
Luce Foundation Center
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3rd Floor
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28A
Dimensions: 14 ¹⁄₂ x 5 ¹⁄₄ x 5 ¹⁄₄ in. (36.8 x 13.3 x 13.3 cm.)
Credit Line: Gift of Herbert Waide Hemphill, Jr. and museum purchase made possible by Ralph Cross Johnson
Mediums: wood
cotton
glass
leather
Mediums Description: carved and painted wood, leather, and glass
Classifications: Sculpture
Subjects: Animal — bird — owl
Object Number: 1986.65.59
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1986.65.59

Artwork Description

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.