Sophia Owl Wisdom Ochre

Its big eyes matching its serious demeanor, this small bird was revered as the personification of wisdom -or “sophia”- and appeared in coins and decorative representations. Famously it was the companion animal of Athena, the goddess of reason and the arts and also the divine patron of the city of Athens. That explains the owl’s special place in the Parthenon -Athena’s holy abode- and its reputation as a protector of buildings and homes that is still alive today.