Native American Maria Martinez (1887-1980) San Ildefonso Pueblo and Popovi Da (1923-1971) Black-on-Black Pottery Vessel together with a small Santana and Adam Black Pot

Maria Pot H 4.75 in. Diameter 6.25 in. Santana Pot Height 3 in. Diameter 4.25 in.

Maria Martinez pottery signatures varied over her career, later becoming some of the most recognized in Native American pottery of the south western pueblo potters.  Maria learned to make pottery from her aunt. In 1904 she was married to Julian Martinez (1887-1943) and together they made a phenomenal team. Maria Martinez made the pottery and Julian painted the designs. In 1918-1919 they created a new style of pottery, the highly polished and matte painted “black-on-black” style. This innovation quickly became among the most popular style of pottery and made them famous. After Julian passed away Maria continued to make pottery and it was then painted by her daughter-in-law Santana (1909-2002) and then later by her son, Popovi Da (1923-1971).