Mary Ann Hampton (1930-2019) was actively making pottery in the 70's and 80's. This large owl figure has a statuesque quality & an elegance to the sculpting. l admire how she carved out the back area of the beak in a stylized way, which seems to be her own invention. The feathered surface was evenly painted with meticulous detail, one of the hallmarks of her work. She added barred detail to the tail & wings, like the natural stripes found in the in great horned owl. She practiced traditional methods: handbuilding with local clay & polishing the surface before decorating with mineral & vegetal based paints. Lastly, she pit fired this outdoors with fuel she gathered from the pueblo. It is signed Mary Ann Hampton, Acoma, NM on the base. It measures 6" H x 4.75" W x 3.5" D. This big beautiful owl is sure to be a favorite in any collection!