This is a classic bowl by Maria Martinez.  It was made by Maria Martinez and painted by her daughter-in-law Santana Martinez (the wife of Adam Martinez, Maria’s son).  The bowl has a sharp shoulder and a sloping side.  It is very highly polished and has a glassy surface.  The design is a water serpent or avanyu.  It encircles the bowl.  Santana had a distinctive style of avanyu that she painted on her pottery, note how the top of the horn is elongated and extended backward.  The bowl was fired to a deep black, almost silvery coloration.  It is signed on the bottom, “Maria + Santana”.  The bowl is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.  

Maria Martinez Signatures