2. Maria Montoya Martinez (1887, San Ildefonso Pueblo, New Mexico – July 20, 1980, San Ildefonso Pueblo) 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.San Ildefonso PuebloNew MexicoNative AmericanpotteryJulianPueblo

4. Maria Martinez, shown with physicist Enrico Fermi, circa 1948 Born Maria Antonia Montoya 1887 San Ildefonso Pueblo, New Mexico Died 1980 San Ildefonso Pueblo, New Mexico Nationality Tewa, Native American Known for Pottery, Ceramics Movement San Ildefonso School

5. Martinez was from the San Ildefonso Pueblo, a community located 20 miles northwest of Santa Fe, New Mexico. At an early age, she learned pottery skills from her aunt. During this time, Spanish tinware and Anglo enamelware had become readily available in the Southwest, making the creation of traditional cooking and serving pots less necessary. Traditional pottery making techniques were being lost, but Martinez and her family experimented with different techniques and helped preserve the cultural art.