Black-on-black Pottery Jar by Maria and Santana

This Black-on-black pottery jar was made by influential San Ildefonso potter Maria Martinez and her daughter-in-law, Santana Martinez. For collaborative pieces like this one, Maria would make the pot and her family members would provide the painted designs. With this example, Maria offered a beautifully shaped jar, which Santana adorned with a simple yet strong design.

An element comprising three triangular forms is repeated four times, hanging from the rim down to the jar's softly ridged shoulder. Groups of four horizontal lines appear in between the triangular elements, linking each design into a larger continuous pattern. The jar's wider bottom half is left unpainted, allowing the highly polished slip to shine. This jar is an excellent example of Maria and Santana's collaborative work.

The bottom of the jar is signed Marie + Santana.

San Ildefonso Pueblo artist Maria Martinez (1887-1980) Poveka is probably the most famous of all pueblo potters. She and her husband Julian discovered in 1918 how to produce the now-famous Black-on-black pottery, and they spent the remainder of their careers perfecting and producing it for museums and collectors worldwide. Martinez' daughter-in-law Santana (1909-2002) painted designs on the famous pueblo matriarch's pottery. Though best known for her work with the famous family into which she married, Santana came from a long line of talented painters and potters. Her grandmother, Dominguita Pino Martinez, was a famous potter and her brother, Awa Tsireh, was a famous painter.

Condition: very good condition, light abrasions around rim

Provenance: this Black-on-black Pottery Jar by Maria and Santana is from a private Colorado collection

Reference: The Legacy of Maria Poveka Martinez by Richard L. Spivey

TAGS: Santana, San Ildefonso Pueblo, Maria Martinez, Julian Martinez, Southwest Indian Pottery, Santana and Adam Martinez, Dominguita Pino Martinez, Awa Tsireh, Maria and Santana Martinez