Black and Sienna Jar with Avanyu Design [SOLD]

Barbara Gonzales (1947- ) Than Moo Whe is an excellent potter and an extension of her famous great-grandmother, Maria Martinez, and her grandparents, Adam and Santana Martinez. Her mother, Anita Martinez, was also a potter. Drawing on the traditions of her family, she expanded this tradition by personalizing her Southwest Indian Pottery with inlaid coral and turquoise on etched black and sienna wares—often inlaid on spider designs which she created in 1973.

The design on this jar is the traditional Avanyu (water serpent) etched into the vessel wall with a turquoise cab for the eye.  Extremely fine crossed lines form a background for the Avanyu, the fineness of which is astonishing.    The Avanyu is highlighted with sienna coloration.  This is an extraordinarily beautiful vessel that borders tradition but displays innovation.  There is an indication of a possible date of 1977 on the base.

Condition: excellent condition

Recommended Reading: The Legacy of Maria Poveka Martinez by Richard Spivey.  This book is currently not available from Adobe Gallery

Provenance: from a private collection in Albuquerque