San Ildefonso Pueblo Black on Black Pottery By Maria Martinez

ca. 1925 - 1943

3.5" H x 6.5 D

Hand Coiled from Black on Black Thin-Walled Jar that has a Slight Gun Metal Finish Signed Marie Grade 5/6 Very Handsome

In Very Good Condition with Abrasion Wear on Shoulders and Small Interior Rim Chip

Maria Martinez (1887–1980), also known as Maria Poveka (Po-Ve-Ka), was a legendary Tewa potter from San Ildefonso Pueblo in New Mexico. She is widely regarded as one of the most influential Native American artists of the 20th century, famous for reviving and perfecting the black-on-black pottery style that became iconic in Pueblo ceramics. 

Maria learned traditional pottery-making as a child from her aunt, Nicolasa Montoya. She began producing pottery early in life, but her breakthrough came around 1918–1920 when she collaborated with her husband, Julian Martinez (a skilled painter). Inspired by ancient black pottery shards from archaeological sites (like those on the Pajarito Plateau), and encouraged by figures like Edgar Lee Hewett from the Museum of New Mexico, they experimented to recreate and innovate on prehistoric techniques.