María Antonía Martínez
María Antonía Martínez was a renowned potter from San Ildefonso Pueblo, best known for her contributions to the revival of traditional Pueblo pottery in the early 20th century. In 1908, she began working under the guidance of archaeologist Edgar Hewett, who encouraged her to reproduce and decorate pottery in the style being uncovered in her community. This collaboration significantly boosted the local economy and established her as a prominent figure in the craft.
Martínez excelled in her craft, gradually surpassing her peers and becoming the most skilled potter in the pueblo by 1915. In 1921, she and her husband, Julián Martínez, developed the innovative black-on-black pottery technique, which became her signature style. She was also a trailblazer for women in her community, taking on leadership roles and promoting pottery-making. Notably, she started signing her work in a manner accessible to white consumers, using the name “Marie” until the 1950s. Over her extensive career, she garnered numerous awards, participated in international exhibitions, and became a celebrated figure in American art, visiting prestigious venues, including the White House. Her legacy continues to influence the appreciation of Indigenous pottery and its cultural significance.
María Antonía Martínez
- Born: April 5, 1887
- Birthplace: San Ildefonso, New Mexico
- Died: July 20, 1980
- Place of death: San Ildefonso, New Mexico
Category: Potter
Tribal affiliation: San Ildefonso Pueblo
Significance: María Martínez revitalized the vanishing art of pottery among Pueblo Indians
In 1908, María Martínez was asked by archaeologist Edgar Hewett to reproduce and decorate pottery in the style of that being unearthed near San Ildefonso. Few women in the pueblo made pots. Hewett bought and reordered her simple polychrome reproductions, launching a revival in pottery-making in the pueblo and immeasurably helping its economy. Decorating her pots were Crescencio Martínez, her sister Maximiliana, husband Julián, daughter-in-law Santana, and son Popovi Da.
Her first son was born in 1904, and three other children followed. In 1909, she became the leader of an important women’s ceremonial society. María worked all year forming, firing, slipping, and burnishing pottery; by 1915, she had far surpassed all other potters in the pueblo in skill and reputation. In 1921, she and Julián Martínez revealed their technique for making black-on-black pottery. In 1923, she initiated the practice of signing pottery—using the name “Marie” until the 1950’s because white customers were more familiar with it. She earned about $5,000 from pottery sales in 1931, and $1 an hour for teaching pottery classes. In the course of her seventy-year career, she won hundreds of prizes; showed at three World’s Fairs; visited the White House four times; and received the Craftsmanship Medal, Palmes Academiques Medal, Jane Addams Award, and honorary doctoral degrees.