Plate

Maria Poveka Martinez is perhaps the most famous of all American Indian artists. With her husband, Julian, who painted the designs on the pottery she created, Maria achieved international acclaim for her innovation and brilliant artistry. They are best known for creating black-on-black ware, in which a matte-black design was painted upon a highly polished black vessel. Maria and Julian were often inspired by ancient Pueblo designs, reflected in this composition formed by a pair of opposed creatures, a device commonly found on bowls from the Mimbres culture. Here, two mountain lions are activated by geometric, relief-painted designs, curving tails and a lightning-like configuration of the rear legs. The animals join with the outer triangular shapes to create a sense of contained energy and circular movement.