Plate

Julian Martinez, born San Ildefonso Pueblo, NM 1879-died San Ildefonso Pueblo, NM 1943 · ca. 1930s

Maria Montoya Martinez and her husband, Julian, were Tewa Native Americans from San Ildefonso Pueblo in New Mexico. Inspired by ancient pots excavated near the pueblo between 1907 and 1909, the couple broke away from traditional polychrome wares and began creating decorative black-on-black pieces covered with stylized designs based on natural forms. The Martinezes are credited with revitalizing a declining pottery tradition and with pioneering a new style that resonated with the art deco movement of the 1930s.