Mary Martin, Cochiti Pueblo Potter

Mary Martin (1927-2011) (Tsiranitsia - Frog) was a distinguished potter from Cochiti Pueblo, an Indigenous community with a rich, centuries-old tradition of figurative ceramics. While Cochiti figurative pottery reached its historic peak during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the art form experienced a vibrant renaissance in the early 1970s, spurred by the creation of the now-famous storyteller figurines.

While many contemporary Cochiti artists focused predominantly on storytellers, Mary Martin distinguished herself by expanding her repertoire well beyond the popular form. Grounded in family heritage, she came from a lineage of celebrated Pueblo artists-she was a cousin to both acclaimed potter Ada Suina and Stephanie Rhoades (Snowflake Flower).

Mary Martin passed away in June 2011, a milestone quietly shared with the community by fellow Cochiti potter Felecita Eustace. Today, her work remains a testament to the versatility, historic depth, and continuous innovation of Cochiti ceramic arts.

TAGS: Cochiti Pueblo, figurative pottery, storyteller figurines, Stephanie Rhoades - Snowflake Flower, Ada Suina, Felecita Eustace