Maria Martinez

Maria Martinez was a Pueblo artist from San Ildefonso. She is very well known for her pottery, particularly her black on black pottery also called blackware. After her work began to be recognized outside of San Ildefonso, she was encouraged to sign her pottery. Her work was shown at the Smithsonian in 1978, as well as many other prominent galleries and she was also granted two honorary doctorates. Through her work, Martinez helped her family and members of her community become financially independent, which is incredibly connected to Indigenous sovereignty. She crafted her own works, but the designs were mostly painted on by her husband and other family members. Additionally, Martinez was known to sign the pottery of other artists to help members of her community sell their work. Martinez also learned traditional techniques from female members of her family and became the matriarch of her family.

Plate, 1930

This piece is a beautiful example of Martinez's work. The reliance on traditional patterns is displayed heavily here.

Jar, 1939

Another great example of Martinez's pottery, this particular piece displays her mastery of traditional techniques. Martinez did not use a wheel when crafting her works.

Feather Bowl, 1948

This piece, like much of Martinez's work, was a collaboration. She created this piece with her daughter-in-law Santana Roybal Martinez.