Located 23 miles north of Santa Fe, New Mexico, San Ildefonso pueblo has long been considered the epicenter for the pueblo pottery movement.  This is the birth place of Maria Martinez and the newer form of San Ildefonso pottery.  The famous black-on-black pottery, once a token tourist piece, now graces the highest mantles and shelves of museums worldwide.

A growing interest in Native American by anthropologists and archeologists of the Smithsonian Institution led to the excavation of Avanyu black-on-black pottery and subsequent attempt to emulate the pottery by Maria Martinez.  The attempt to emulate an older style spawned a new form of firing pottery.     

Maria Martinez and San Ildefonso Pottery
Maria Martinez (1887? - 1980) and her husband Julian did more than discover a method of firing pottery in a low oxygen environment and create a blackened, opulent pottery.  They transformed a pueblo and created a movement that benefited Native Americans and spawned an art form worthy of worldwide recognition. 

In the early 1900's, Julian was part of an excavation team working with Dr. Edgar Lee Hewett, Director of the Museum of New Mexico.  Maria was also aiding, responsible for feeding the excavation team. During the excavation Maria discussed with Dr. Hewett the older pottery and pieces.  Julian and Maria worked to create a finish similar to that of the older pottery.  Though it is argued they never succeeded, their trials spawned a glowing black pottery.  In fact, the early experiment pieces did not have markings.  It was not until approximately 1915 that designs were applied.  Julian first tried to apply traditional ink to the pottery.  However, because of the higher temperatures, the ink would burn off.  Julian developed a way to mix ink and clay in order to develop an application that would not burn off during firing.

this was not the first attempt at pottery for Maria and Julian.  It is often overlooked that Maria and Julian were already accomplished polychrome potters.  What is overlooked is that the earlier pieces of Maria and Julian did not reflect the older decorations.  When older pieces were excavated Maria and Julian would take note. Even in the early days, Maria would form the vessel and Julian would paint the vessel.  The combined team would help create the black-on-black pottery so famous today.

The famous San Ildefonso pottery of today has only been brought to prominence by a family, but an entire pueblo.  Though Maria could have easily kept the methods a family secret, to be shared with only her children (Adam & Santana, John, Phillip, and Popovi Da), she chose to share her information.  Numerous potters, all of various skills, contributed to the rise in prominence of this pottery.  the sharing of methods and designs contributed to the well being of the entire pueblo and allowed a pueblo to become self-reliant and with a form of sustenance.   

Similar to most pueblo artists, regardless of pueblo, it was (and still is) a 'family affair' in the creating of pottery.  If only in the collecting of materials, family members contributed at all stages.  Maria's pottery has numerous signatures of people who helped with the decoration.  See below for a list of signatures and approximate date. 

The making of San Ildefonso pottery is a laborious task requiring great skill.  From the gathering of the clay, forming of the vessel, painting, and finally, the firing, the potter may have vested 15-50 hours per vessel.

SAN ILDEFONSO POTTERY CURRENTLY ON EBAY
 

Located 23 miles north of Santa Fe, New Mexico, San Ildefonso pueblo has long been considered the epicenter for the pueblo pottery movement.  This is the birth place of Maria Martinez and the newer form of San Ildefonso pottery.  The famous black-on-black pottery, once a token tourist piece, now graces the highest mantles and shelves of museums worldwide.

A growing interest in Native American by anthropologists and archeologists of the Smithsonian Institution led to the excavation of Avanyu black-on-black pottery and subsequent attempt to emulate the pottery by Maria Martinez.  The attempt to emulate an older style spawned a new form of firing pottery.     

The making of San Ildefonso pottery is a laborious task requiring great skill.  From the gathering of the clay, forming of the vessel, painting, and finally, the firing, the potter may have vested 15-50 hours per vessel. 

Here are some other Native American Art Websites:
Smithsonian American Indian Artt - Visit the Smithsonian!
American Indian Art - American Indian Art and Native American Art introductions

American Indian Pottery
Acoma Pottery - Acoma Pottery from the Sky City
Hopi Pottery - Hopi Pottery is the polychrome pottery

American Indian Jewelry
Santo Domingo Jewelry - Santo Domingo Jewelry is fine lapsidary work
Zuni Jewelry and Fetishes - Zuni Jewelry is amazing!

Navajo Rugs
Navajo Rugs - Navajo Rugs include Chief Rugs, Two Grey Hills Rugs, Eye Dazzler Rugs, and others

American Indian Baskets
Indian Baskets - Native American Baskets from the Navajo, Hopi, California

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