Native American, Maria Montoy Poveka Martinez (1887-1980), San Ildefonso Pueblo, northwest of Santa Fe, New Mexico, ca. 1925 to 1943 CE. Signed "Marie + Julian" on base. An attractive pottery bowl presenting a flat base and thick walls that curve outwards to a squat body, rounded shoulder, and circular rim. Fired to a dark black hue, the exterior of the dish presents a horizontal band of triangle and spiral motifs. The San Ildefonso Pueblo is synonymous with the pottery of Maria Martinez. Her signature style became so popular that its sales actually helped stabilize the isolated, drought ridden, over-logged, and influenza-ridden pueblo and many of the surrounding pueblos as well. Size: 6.4" in diameter x 3.1" H (16.3 cm x 7.9 cm)

As a child, Maria learned to make pottery from her aunt. In 1904 she married to Julian Martinez, and the pair made a fabulous team. Maria created the pottery, and Julian painted the designs. They are best known for the creation of a new style of pottery in 1918-19, the matte painted highly polished “black-on-black” style. They also perfected a red ware style in 1924. Maria signed her work "Marie" because she thought the name Marie had a greater appeal to non-Indigenous purchasers. As pottery was considered a woman's job in the Pueblo, Maria left out Julian's signature from pieces he had decorated to respect the Pueblo culture until 1925. After Julian passed away, Maria continued to make pottery which was painted by her daughter-in-law Santana (1909-2002) and later by her son, Popovi Da (1923-1971). Maria received numerous awards for her pottery and was the featured subject of several books including "Maria the Potter of San Ildefonso" by Alice Marriot and "The Legacy of Maria Poveka Martinez" by Richard Spivey.

Provenance: private Arlington, Virginia, USA collection

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#167585

Signed "Marie + Julian" on base. Abrasions and nicks to some areas of exterior. Otherwise, intact and excellent.