A MARIE & SANTANA BLACK POTTERY WEDDING PLATE, SAN ILDEFONSO PUEBLO, NEW MEXICO, SIGNED,1943-1954, of circular form and enclosing conforming burnished black feathers on a matt black pottery body within a similarly burnished cloud pattern border, verso signed "Marie + Santana." Diameter: 12 1/2" Note: Maria (Marie) Montoya Poveka Martinez (Native American 1887-1980) a native of the San Ildefonso Pueblo, New Mexico, had made pottery since childhood and continued with her husband Julian who she was able to develop the black on black pottery with, died unexpectedly in 1943. After his death her son Adam Martinez (1903-2000) and his wife Santana Martinez (1909-2002) assisted in the various steps from gathering the clay, modeling, decorating and the firing. It was during this time that the signature "Marie & Santana" was used.Maria Montoya was a highly important potter in the development of what is recognized as the San Ildefonso style of pottery. Her work has been exhibited at fairs across the globe, has attained numerous awards and can be found in museums as well as private collections throughout the U.S. Recognition by the National Endowment for the Arts in the form of a grant in 1973 allowed for the opening of the Martinez pottery workshop.