Black-on-black San Ildefonso Pueblo Pottery Jar by Maria Martinez and Santana [SOLD]

This San Ildefonso Pueblo pottery jar dates to probably 1956, at the end of the Marie & Santana signature period.  It has the feather design that Julian had reintroduced from a Mimbres bowl in the museum. 

Following the death of Julian in 1943 at the age of 46 years, Maria Martinez was devastated as the two had worked together as partners their entire married life.  Julian did the hard work of digging clay, crushing the clay and firing the finished pottery.  Julian had been a handsome and elegant man.  He always dressed in traditional pueblo clothing, wearing shirts made by Maria.  He never wore commercial clothing.  The couple was the epitome of traditional Pueblo Indians.

Adam, Maria's and Julian's oldest son took over the responsibilities of his dad and helped his mom with the heavy work of pottery production.  Adam's wife, Santana, also began helping Maria at that time.  Maria would make the pottery and Santana did the painting.  These early pottery were signed Marie & Santana and this signature continued from 1943 until 1956.  Their cooperative efforts continued  but, around 1956, the signature changed to Maria & Santana—an indication that Maria finally decided to use her real name Maria and not Marie that she had been using previously.  This occurred following the publication of the book Maria, the Potter of San Ildefonso by Alice Marriot.

Condition: this Black-on-black San Ildefonso Pueblo Pottery Jar by Maria Martinez and Santana is in very good condition with expected minor scratches

Provenance: from the collection of a family from Alexandria, Virginia

Recommended Reading: The Legacy of Maria Poveka Martinez by Richard Spivey

Relative Links: San Ildefonso Pueblo, Marie & Santana signature period, Mimbres, Maria Martinez, Julian Martinez, Adam Martinez, Santana, pottery, painting, Maria, the Potter of San Ildefonso