Nellie Bica from Zuñi pueblo was born circa 1904. Especially noted for her pottery owl figures, Nellie was highly respected. She also created frogs and heartline deer. In 1917 she learned to make pottery from her mother's youngest sister, working through the 1990's.

Nellie is referenced in ten books focused on the depiction of Zuñi pottery. The most recent publication is Southern Pueblo Pottery 2,000 Artist Biographies by Gregory Schaaf.  This book illustrates an owl by Nellie on page 61 that is a cousin to the owl offered by www.SavvyCollector.com

Her signature ranges from "N.B." to "Nellie Bica or "Mrs. S. Bica".