The living tradition of María Martínez

Maria Montoya Martinez (born 1887 in San Ildefonso Pueblo, New Mexico-died July 20, 1980 in San Ildefonso Pueblo, New Mexico) was a Native American artist who created internationally known pottery. Martinez (born Maria Antonia Montoya), her husband Julian, and other family members examined traditional Pueblo pottery styles and techniques to create pieces which reflect the Pueblo people's legacy of fine artwork and crafts. Traditional pottery making techniques were being lost, but Maria and her family experimented with different techniques and helped preserve the cultural art. She became a legend in her lifetime, and is internationally known for her magnificent burnished black pottery perfected by Maria and her husband. This book is the culmination of the author's nearly 30-year association with Maria and her family. Profusely illustrated with black-and-white and color photographs. Pueblo Pottery; Indian Pottery; Native American Artists