Lot 98
Native American, Maria Montoy Poveka Martinez, San Ildefonso Pueblo, northwest of Santa Fe, New Mexico, ca. 1950s CE. A stunning polished blackware vessel by the famous Maria Martinez (1887-1980), only signed with her Tewa name, "Maria Poveka" (Maria Martinez signatures varied over the course of her long career). Poveka actually means "water lilly". This jar represents one of her classic shapes, fired to a dark black hue, signed in the clay on the bottom. The San Ildefonso Pueblo is synonomous with the pottery of Maria Martinez. Her signature style became so popular that its sales actually helped stabilize the isolated, drought ridden, over-logged, and influenza-ridden pueblo and many of the surrounding pueblos as well. Size: 5.125" in diameter x 3.375" H (13 cm x 8.6 cm)
As a child, Maria learned to make pottery from her aunt. In 1904 she married to Julian Martinez (1887-1943) and the pair made a fabulous team. Maria created the pottery, and Julian painted the designs. They are best known for the creation of a new style of pottery in 1918-19, the matte painted highly polished black-on-black style. They also perfected a red ware style in 1924. After Julian passed away, Maria continued to make pottery which was painted by her daughter-in-law Santana (1909-2002) and later by her son, Popovi Da (1923-1971). Maria received numerous awards for her pottery, and was the featured subject of several books including "Maria the Potter of San Ildefonso" by Alice Marriot and "The Legacy of Maria Poveka Martinez" by Richard Spivey.
Provenance: private Salter collection, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
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#125695
- Condition: Minor surface wear. Signature on bottom is a bit worn and difficult to discern, but after much study, we have concluded that it reads "Maria Poveka" - the artist's Tewa name.
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