Black-on-black Low Jar signed Maria/Popovi [SOLD]

Richard Spivey, in his book The Legacy of Maria Poveka Martinez, states that Popovi Da collaborated with Maria Martinez from 1956 to 1970.  Popovi initiated the process of adding the date to pottery in 1959. This jar is signed simply Maria/Popovi, without a date, so it was made between 1956 and 1959.  In these earlier collaborative pieces, Popovi used traditional designs that had been used by his dad.  In this example he used precise geometric designs encircling the body of the jar.

According to statements by Maria, Popovi learned the processes of pottery making very fast and became very proficient at painting designs and firing the pottery.  This jar is an excellent example of his high quality of work in only his first 3 years of making pottery at San Ildefonso Pueblo.

Condition: very good condition with some very minor scratches, but nothing of significance.

Reference and Recommended Reading: The Legacy of Maria Poveka Martinez by Richard L. Spivey, 2003

Provenance: from the collection of a family from California