Isabel Atencio was a daughter of Nicolasa Montoya (the aunt who taught Maria Martinez to make pottery) and a sister of Rayita Montoya, Santana Montoya and Alfredo Montoya (the first husband of Tonita Roybal). Among her children Gilbert Atencio is known primarily for is paintings. Her daughters Helen Gutierrez and Angelita Sanchez are both well-known potters.  This is one of her charming turtle figures.  The back is polished while the remainder of the piece is matte.  It is signed on the bottom, “Belle”.  She signed her work both Isabel and “Belle”.  This piece is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration or repair.