The legacy of Maria Poveka Martinez

About this book

"The ceramicist Maria Poveka Martinez (1887-1980), known to the world as "Maria," continues, more than two decades after her death, to be the most famous and recognizable Native American artist ever known. The Legacy of Maria Poveka Martinez is Richard L. Spivey's tribute to a friendship with a great artist that began with Maria's son Popovi Da and extended to Maria and to many of her family members who joined over the years in the collaborations that brought San Ildefonso ceramic art to the world while reviving its ancient roots for every generation of artist to come." "Two hundred examples of Maria's pottery are reproduced, many heretofore hidden in private collections and museum storage. Among these are nine magnificent storage jars comprising the entirety of the artist's production in this form. The author's long association with the family yields reflections on the artist and her important collaborative relationships with Julian Martinez, their son Popovi Da, and daughter-in-law Santana Martinez. The artistic achievements of Maria and Julian's descendants document significant developments in Pueblo ceramics at San Ildefonso. Many of grandson Tony Da's works are assembled for the first time."--Jacket.