San Ildefonso Black-on-black Dish signed Maria/Popovi 763 [R]

Maria Martinez (1887-1980) and her husband Julian Martinez (1897-1943) collaborated on pottery production until 1943 at which time Julian passed away.  Their daughter-in-law, Santana Martinez, who was married to their oldest son, Adam, then started assisting Maria by painting her pottery, a task that Julian formerly had done. Starting in 1956, Maria's son, Popovi Da (1922-1971), began collaborating with his mom on her pottery, and the two worked together until his death in 1971.

Popovi worked with Maria in all aspects of pottery preparation and their pieces were co-signed. It was his intent to assist his mother and not to take away from her attention that kept him from making pottery on his own. It is rare to find pieces signed solely Popovi, without Maria's name too.

According to Spivey, the first piece of pottery made solely by Popovi and signed only with his name appeared in 1962.  Anita, Popovi's wife, said that Popovi would have made more pottery if he had had more time but he was a pueblo governor, a leader of the tribe, a father, was running a store at the pueblo and painting pottery for his mom.  He also dug clay for his mom when Adam was not available. 

It is commendable that he helped his mom at the expense of his own desires.

This plate, made by Maria and decorated by Popovi, is dated 763 (July 1963). It is decorated with the feather design revived by Julian from an earlier Mimbres pottery bowl he had seen.  Once Julian started using the design, it became a favorite of collectors.  Popovi made it more popular because of the extraordinary precise firing he achieved which produced a beautiful black coloration. 

The original sales ticket from the Popovi Da Studio of Indian Arts to Mrs. Owen J. Roberts of Chicago, dated November 26, 1963 is included with the purchase of the plate.  The price on the ticket is $75.00.

Condition:  original excellent condition

Provenance: ex. coll. Mrs. Owen J. Roberts

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