Maria Montoy Poveka Martinez (Tewa Indian of San Ildefonso Pueblo, 1887-1980) and Popovi Da Martinez (Tewa Indian of San Ildefonso Pueblo, 1923-1971). Blackware plate with serpent deity, n.d. Signed by both artists on underside of base. A beautiful pottery plate fired to a lustrous black with matte decoration depicting the mythological serpentine deity known as Avanyu (also Awanyu) - a revered yet feared creature who brought forth lightning, thunder, and storms - with a zigzagging body and an arrow-shaped tongue representative of a lightning bolt. The serpent's sinuous body slithers around the periphery of the dish, leaving a shiny, black tondo at the center of the shallow basin. Size: 6.4" W x 1" H (16.3 cm x 2.5 cm); 7.5" H (19 cm) on included custom stand.

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.

As a child, Maria learned to make pottery from her aunt. In 1904 she married 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 and 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.

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Provenance: private Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA collection

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#182811

Signed "Maria" and "Popovi" on underside of base. A few miniscule nicks in areas, but otherwise, intact and excellent with nice preservation of decorative program.