San Ildefonso Pueblo Pottery Plate By Maria and Santana

Mid/Late 20th Century

1.5" H x 6.5" D

Hand Coiled Black on Black Plate with Glossy and Matte Feather Motif Design

In Very Good Condition

Maria Martinez (1887–1980) and Santana Martinez (1909–2002) were renowned San Ildefonso Pueblo potters known for their black-on-black pottery, a style Maria and her husband Julian pioneered in 1918. After Julian’s death in 1943, Santana, Maria’s daughter-in-law, began painting designs on Maria’s pottery, with their collaboration lasting from 1943 to 1956. Plates from this period are signed “Marie + Santana” (Maria used “Marie” earlier in her career) or “Maria + Santana” and often feature traditional designs like the Mimbres feather pattern or the avanyu (horned water serpent).  Maria retired from commercial pottery in 1970, and Santana did not paint Maria’s work after Popovi Da’s death in 1971.