Maria and Santana Martinez

Maria Martinez (1887–1980) is arguably the most famous Native American potter of the 20th century. Her extraordinary skill in forming perfectly symmetrical, thin-walled vessels transformed San Ildefonso Pueblo into a world-renowned center for ceramic arts. Because she did not paint her own designs, she collaborated with family members throughout her life.

Following the unexpected passing of her husband and primary painter, Julian Martinez, in 1943, Maria began a formal collaboration with her daughter-in-law, Santana Martinez (1909–2002). Santana was a highly gifted artist in her own right, coming from a long line of distinguished potters. From 1943 until 1956, the duo worked together, with Maria gathering, coiling, and polishing the clay, and Santana applying the painted designs (when applicable). During this era, Maria signed her pieces as “Marie,” a practice adopted earlier in her career to appeal to the non-Native collector market. Pottery bearing the “Marie & Santana” hallmark is highly prized by museums and collectors as a representation of this important transitional period in the Martinez family legacy.