San Ildefonso Pueblo Pottery By Maria Martinez

ca.  1920 - 1925

5" H x 8.25" D

Hand Coiled Larger Early Example with Black on Black Geometric Motif Band at Shoulder and Thin Walled with Beautiful Form Signed Marie

In Very Good Condition and Shows Some Light Interior Discoloration on the Interior Bottom

Maria Martinez (1887–1980), also known as Maria Poveka or Po've'ka ("Pond Lily"), was one of the most influential and celebrated Native American potters of the 20th century. She belonged to San Ildefonso Pueblo in northern New Mexico (Tewa people) and is best known for reviving and perfecting traditional Pueblo pottery techniques, particularly the iconic black-on-black style. 

Maria learned pottery-making as a child from her aunt, Nicolasa Montoya (or Peña), in the traditional Pueblo way. She married Julian Martinez in 1904; he became her artistic partner, contributing designs as a skilled painter. The couple demonstrated pottery at world's fairs (St. Louis 1904, San Diego 1915) and gained early recognition for polychrome (multi-colored) work before shifting focus.