San Ildefonso Pueblo Black on Black Plate signed Maria and Popovi [SOLD]

Popovi Da began collaborating with his mother, Maria Martinez, on her pottery in 1956, following a period when Santana (married to his borther, Adam) had been assisting her mother-in-law.  Popovi and his mom worked together until his death in 1971. Popovi worked with Maria in all aspects of pottery preparation and their pieces were co-signed.  When Popovi passed away, Maria essentially retired. Popovi initiated the process of adding the date to his and Maria’s pottery in 1959. Prior to that, they were just co-signed with the two names.

This plate is cosigned Maria - Popovi and does not have a date so it was made in the period before Popovi added dates— between 1956-1959.  Popovi continued using designs started by his dad—eagle feathers and the Avanyu (water serpent). Later, he began using other designs of his own ideas.

Condition: this San Ildefonso Black on Black Plate signed Maria - Popovi is in excellent condition

Provenance: from the collection of a gentleman from New Mexico

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

Relative Links:  Southwest Indian Pottery, Contemporary Pottery, Maria Martinez, Popovi Da, San Ildefonso Pueblo, Avanyu, Santana Martinez, Adam and Santana