San Ildefonso Pueblo Black-on-black Jar signed Maria & Santana [SOLD]

This is an exceptional San Ildefonso Pueblo Black-on-black geometric design jar by Maria and Santana Martinez with an extraordinary mirror-like burnish. Traditionally, Maria would make a jar, her sister Clara would polish it, her daughter-in-law Santana would paint the design, and her son Adam would fire it. It is most likely that this was the case in this jar.

Maria's sister Clara spent a large part of her life polishing pottery for Maria and, as a result, was well experienced and well above average in this task.  Santana was a major help to Maria following the death of Julian and painted pottery for her until Popovi Da began to assist his mom, then Santana and Adam produced their own wares.  Santana and Maria did not stop working together completely when Maria started working with Popovi Da.  They continued collaborating for a few more years, signing the pieces "Maria & Santana."  The earliest documented pot with the Maria & Santana signature is 1954.  It is generally agreed that the two ceased co-signing pottery shortly before 1960.  That pretty well defines this jar as to who did what and when.

Condition:  The jar is in original excellent condition.

Provenance: from an Albuquerque gentleman

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