Marvin and his wife Frances work together to create stunning pottery. Marvin and Frances work in the traditional matte black-on-black designs of Marvin's grandparents and great-grandparents of San Ildefonso Pueblo. Using clay gathered from pueblo land, and hand-processing the clay at home, the pots are hand-coiled. 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 and Frances are known for the depictions of the Avanyu, the water serpent, which Marvin's great-grandfather Julian Martinez also made famous. Marvin and Frances have their own quality and style that builds on the traditions of the Martinez Family. We feature many of their pots at the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, as well as the New Mexico History Museum, shops. Please enjoy our online selection.

Measures 1.675" h x 5" w. Signed Marvin and Frances Martinez, San Ildefonso.