This article traces the origin and evolution of the ch'ih-hsiao, or barn-owl, figure on Chinese cultural artifacts from pre-historic through Han times. The author shows how the image of the ch'ih-hsiao originated during the pre-historic period as a kind of protective image against harm suffered from weapons, but by the Western Chou had evolved to become one of the more powerful god-figures of the period. In a last instance, the author analyzes how during the Han dynasty, the nature of the ch'ih-hsiao figure once again changed to take place as a guardian of lowly rank in the pantheon of gods and spirits of the time.