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

Following the death of Julian in 1943 at the age of 46 years, Maria was devastated as the two had worked together as partners their entire married life.  Julian did the hard work of digging clay, crushing the clay and firing the finished pottery.  Julian had been a handsome and elegant man.  He always dressed in traditional pueblo clothing, wearing shirts made by Maria.  He never wore commercial clothing.  The couple was the epitome of traditional pueblo Indians.

Adam, Maria's and Julian's oldest son took over the responsibilities of his dad and helped his mom with the heavy work of pottery production.  Adam's wife, Santana, also began helping Maria at that time.  Maria would make the pottery and Santana would do the painting.  These early pottery were signed Marie & Santana and this signature continued from 1943 until 1956.  Their cooperative efforts continued  but around 1956, the signature changed to Maria & Santana—an indication that Maria finally decided to use her real name Maria and not Marie that she had been using previously.  This occurred following the publication of the book Maria, the Potter of San Ildefonso by Alice Marriot.

This jar dates to probably 1956, at the end of the Marie & Santana signature period.  It has the feather design and a spiral element resembling the Avanyu design. 

Condition:  structurally in fine condition. 

Provenance:  from the estate of Mr. & Mrs. Jackson Clark Gillis of Tarzana, California.  The jar was mailed to the Gillis' in February 1957 from Saddle Rock Arts and Crafts of Sedona, Arizona at a price of $23.50. The letter from Saddle Rock accompanies the purchase of the jar.

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