MARIA MARTINEZ (SAN ILDEFONSO,1887-1980), BLACK ON BLACK POTTERY BOWL, EXCELLENT For Sale

MARIA MARTINEZ (San Ildefonso Pueblo, NM 1887-1980):

Maria Poveka Montoya Martinez was a Pueblo artist who created internationally known pottery. Maria Martinez is undoubtedly one of the best-known and most influential Native potters of the 1900s. She became famous for her creative pottery and traveling to museums, World Fairs, and other events throughout her lifetime.

Maria learned to make pottery from her aunt Nicolasa Montoya. Around 1918-1919, Maria and her husband, Julian Martinez, created the “black-on-black” style of pottery. This unique process allowed matte designs to be painted on a stone-polished surface, a stone-polished piece fired black. At the time, this unique and distinctive style of pottery quickly became a success, and by 1922, it was made by nearly every potter at San Ildefonso Pueblo. It helped to change the economy of the Pueblo as pottery became a successful career.

Following the death of her husband Julian in 1943, Maria Martinez collaborated with other family members. In1956, her youngest son,Popovi Da(born Antonio Martinez), became her full-time working partner. In this highly creative partnership, Maria hand-coiled and polished the vessels, while Popovi prepared the clay, painted the intricate designs, and managed the outdoor firings. Their joint pieces were traditionally co-signed on the base as"Maria/Popovi".