San Ildefonso Pueblo Black-on-Black Pottery Jar By Maria and Santana

ca. 1943 - 1954

6" H x 6.5" D

Hand Coiled Black on Black with Gun-Metal Avanyu

Top Grade finish. Avaynu

In Excellent Condition

Maria Poveka Martinez (1884-1980) is probably the most famous of all pueblo potters. She and her  husband, Julian, discovered in 1918 how to produce the now-famous black-on-black pottery and they spent the remainder of their careers perfecting and producing it for museums and collectors worldwide. 

Early works by Maria and Julian are unsigned (1918-1923). 

By 1923, Maria began signing Marie on pieces made by her and Julian. His name was omitted  because making pottery was “woman's work.” Pottery made by Maria and painted by Julian, signed Marie, was most probably made between 1920 and 1925. 

Pottery made by Maria and painted by Julian between 1925 and 1943 bears the dual signature Marie  +  Julian. By 1925, and until his death in 1943, Maria shared the signature with Julian. 

Following the death of Julian, their son Adam and his wife Santana helped Maria with the design and  firing  of her pottery. Pieces made between 1943 and 1954 are signed Maria + Santana.