Martinez, Maria – Plainware Bowl Circa 1950’s

5.5"w x 3.75"h

$ 1,600.00

In the 1950’s Maria created a series of pieces which were simply stone polished with no design.  As she primarily made the pottery and polished it this was fitting with the other pieces of her career.  This bowl is a classic shape with the round body. The entire piece is highly polished and has a beautiful shine to the surface.  The bowl is signed on the bottom in the clay, “Maria Poveka”.  This is a combination of her Anglo and Tewa names.  Her name, “Poveka” means “Water Lilly”.  The bowl is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.

The provenance on the bowl is a charming story. The owner’s mother was a Harvey Girl and she was fascinated with the Southwest.  She purchased the bowl from Maria Martinez in the 1950’s when she was out at the Heard Museum for a demonstration.

To learn more about Maria’s signatures, click here.