Black-on-Black Jar Signed Maria - Popovi 1167

This elegant Black-on-black jar was crafted by the influential San Ildefonso Pueblo potter Maria Martinez and her son, Popovi Da. In their collaborative process, Maria shaped the vessel while Popovi adorned it with intricate painted designs.

Popovi Da's artistic contributions are noted for their stylish flair, often experimenting with abstraction or figurative elements, while maintaining a consistent rhythmic quality. Even when he used traditional motifs, he executed them with a refined sense of style and technical mastery, sometimes introducing subtle adjustments that gave the designs a more contemporary look.

The jar itself, though modest in size, features a high shoulder and a form that feels distinctly modern. The harmony between the shape and the design is particularly striking, making this piece an exceptional example of their collaborative work.

The bottom of the jar is signed and dated Maria—Popovi 1167 indicating that it was made in November 1967.

Maria Martinez (1887-1980) and Popovi Da (1922-1971) began their formal collaboration in 1956 and worked together until Popovi's passing in 1971. Popovi's primary aim was to support his mother's work, and this often meant he did not focus on making pottery independently. As a result, pieces signed solely "Popovi" are rare. According to Richard Spivey, the first piece created exclusively by Popovi and signed with only his name appeared in 1962. Despite his many roles—tribal governor, father, store owner, and his work in gathering clay and painting pottery—Popovi remained dedicated to assisting his mother. Maria and her descendants are now recognized as one of the most important families in Native American art, with pieces made in collaboration with Popovi considered highly collectible.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this Black-on-Black Jar Signed Maria - Popovi 1167 is from a private collection

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

TAGS: Pueblo Pottery, San Ildefonso Pueblo, Popovi Da, Santana and Adam Martinez, Julian Martinez