San Ildefonso Pottery Jar By Maria Martinez and Santana

ca. 1943 - 1956

3.5" H x 5" D

A Very Strong Jar with a High Polish and Clean, Bold Black Motif on the Shoulders

In Excellent Condition

Maria Martinez (1887–1980, also known as Maria Poveka or Po've'ka, "Water Falling") was a renowned Tewa potter from San Ildefonso Pueblo in New Mexico. She revived and elevated traditional Pueblo pottery techniques in the early 20th century, transforming it into a recognized fine art form collected worldwide.

After Julian's death in 1943, Maria worked with her daughter-in-law Santana Martinez (1909–2002, also Santana Roybal Martinez). Pieces from this period (roughly 1943–1956) are typically signed "Marie + Santana" (Maria often used the anglicized "Marie"). Santana primarily painted the designs on Maria's shaped pots. They produced elegant jars, bowls, and plates until Maria's son Popovi Da began collaborating with her around 1956.