San Ildefonso Pueblo Black Plate Pottery By Maria and Santana

Mid 20th Century

1.75" H x 11" D

Hand Coiled Blackware with a Glossy and Matte Finish in a Feather and Geometric Motif Design Signed Maria and Santana

In Very Good Condition

San Ildefonso Pueblo black-on-black (or blackware) pottery by Maria Martinez and Santana Martinez refers to a renowned collaborative tradition from the San Ildefonso Pueblo in New Mexico. Maria Martinez (ca. 1887–1980, also known as Poveka or Marie) is one of the most famous Native American potters of the 20th century.

Maria and her husband Julian Martinez pioneered and popularized the modern black-on-black technique around 1918–1919. This involves hand-coiling pots from local clay, stone-polishing for a glossy black finish, applying a matte black slip for designs (creating contrast), and firing in a reducing atmosphere (smothered fire) to achieve the deep black color. womenshistory.si.edu After Julian's death in 1943, Maria collaborated with her daughter-in-law Santana Martinez (1909–2002, wife of son Adam Martinez). Maria formed, polished, and fired the pottery; Santana painted the designs. This partnership lasted primarily from 1943 to about 1956 (with some continuation afterward).