Maria Poveka Montoya was born c. 1886 or 1887. Born in San Ildefonso Pueblo, New Mexico to Tomas and Reyes Pena Montoya, Maria had four sisters: Maximiliana (Ana), … 展开

A long process of experimentation and overcoming challenges was required to successfully recreate the black-on-black ware pottery style to meet Maria's exacting standards. "As almost all clay found in the hills is not jet black, one specific challenge was to figure out a way … 展开

Creating black ware pottery is a long process that consists of many steps requiring patience and skill. Six distinct processes occur before the pot is finished. According to Susan … 展开

Martinez received honorary doctorates during her lifetime from the University of Colorado and the University of New Mexico. Her … 展开

During an excavation in 1908 led by Edgar Lee Hewett, a professor of archaeology and the founder and director of the Museum of New Mexico in Santa Fe, examples of black-on-white 展开

An olla jar has a slightly flattened rim and a marked angle at the shoulder. The one created by Maria and Julian Martinez is characteristic of this type, … 展开

• Julian and Maria Martinez digging clay in the early 1920s
• María and Julián Martinez pit firing blackware pottery at P'ohwhóge Owingeh (San Ildefonso Pueblo), … 展开