Marvin Martinez works in the traditional matte black-on-black designs of his grandparents and great-grandparents of San Ildefonso Pueblo. Using clay gathered from pueblo land, and hand-processing the clay at home, he begins by hand-coiling his pots. Next, the pots are stone polished which helps them achieve the fine shine for which the pueblo’s pottery is known. The pots are decorated with matte black designs, which is made possible by the traditional use of bee-weed paste, a process discovered by Marvin’s Great Grandfather, Julian Martinez, when he created the designs for Maria Martinez. Finally, the pots are fired outdoors. Marvin is known for his depictions of the Avanyu, the water serpent, which his great-grandfather Julian Martinez also made famous. Marvin achieves his own quality and style that builds on the traditions of the Martinez Family. We feature many of his pots at the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, as well as the New Mexico History Museum, shops. Please enjoy our online selection.

Measures 6" h x 5.25" w. Signed Marvin Martinez, San Ildefonso.