Maria Martinez: Pueblo Potter

Maria Martinez was an Indian woman from the San Ildefonso Pueblo in New Mexico.The date of her birth is estimated to be between 1881 and 1887. She learned her skills as a potter when she was a child, but went on to perfect her work and become one of the most gifted of the Pueblo potters. Her "black-on-black" style pottery is world famous. Not far away from the San Ildefonso Pueblo is an ancient village site where the Anasazi Indians had lived. Dr Edgar Lee Hewitt led an archaeological expedition to the Anasazi site in 1908. The archaeologists found caves with artwork on the walls and also discovered pieces of Anasazi pottery. Julian Martinez, Maria's husband was one of the local men to be employed working for the archaeologists on that site. He used his drawing skills to copy the Anasazi drawings. Dr. Hewitt asked if Maria could try to duplicate the ancient pottery and he enlisted the help of Julian to paint the Anasazi designs on her work. Over the years, Maria and Julian created a lot of beautiful pottery. After Julian died in 1943, other members of the family worked with Maria creating the beautiful pieces that are cherished today. Maria Martinez died in 1980.There are some great photographs of Maria, Julian and other members of the Martinez family at work on their pottery. Maria received many honors and acclaim during her life. In 1934, Eleanor Roosevelt invited her to be her guest at the White House.