Maria Ramita Martinez facts for kids

Maria Ramita Simbolo Martinez, also known as "Summer Harvest", was a famous Picuris Pueblo potter. She lived from 1884 to October 1969. Martinez learned old, traditional ways of making pottery. She is remembered for keeping these important cultural traditions alive for her people. Maria worked closely with her husband, Juan José Martinez, who helped decorate her finished pots.

The Life of Maria Martinez

Maria Martinez was born in Picuris Pueblo in 1884. Her family name was Simbola. She learned how to make pots by watching her mother, Solidad Simbola. In her Pueblo community, people knew her as "Summer Harvest."

Maria married Juan José Martinez. They had six children together. Maria and Juan worked as a team on her pottery. They would sell their beautiful creations from the back of a wagon.

Maria Martinez passed away in October 1969. She was buried in Picuris. Today, a special historic marker in New Mexico honors her. It describes how much she helped save traditional pottery methods.

How Maria Made Her Pottery

Maria Martinez collected her clay from the hills near Picuris. She used traditional methods to create her pots. These pots were usually a reddish-brown color. They often had a special sparkle from the mica found in the clay.

Maria would shape the pots carefully. After she finished shaping them, her husband, Juan José Martinez, would decorate them. Then, the pots were ready for firing. Firing makes the clay hard and strong.

Maria Martinez's pottery is very important. You can find her work in special collections. These include the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture. Her art is also part of the Leonard D. Hollister Collection. This collection is at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.