Zia Polychrome Vessel

ABOVE: The work of Sophia (potter) and Rafael Median (designer) of the Zia Pueblo in New Mexico is unique for the nature of its subject matter as well as the use of color. JERRY JACKA The other two pots on this page are excellent examples of typical Zia style vessels. Upper right is by Eusebia Shile, courtesy Hunter's Trading Post, Phoenix, and right (unknown) from Gila River Indian Arts & Crafts Center, Sacaton.

The Quality Market

The recent focus of popular attention upon the American Indians has climaxed in phenomenal prices for their art in the auction galleries and open markets during the years 1971 and 1972.

The Green Collection of American Indian Art and the American Indian Art auctions, November 19, 1971 at the Parke-Bernet Galleries, Inc. in New York, one of the great auction galleries in the world, realized three times what Indian art specialists had anticipated. The Arizona Republic of Phoenix on Sunday, January 23, 1972 said, "Work of the native American has caught the eye of the American buyer and today is drawing three to five times more than would have been paid five years ago." In September of 1971 only two pieces of Maria/Popovi work were for sale according to a comprehensive survey of the market. They measured 91½ inches in height and 834 inches in diameter. They were priced at $4,000 each in Old Town, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Only pieces known to be for sale in October, 1970 are at the Studio of Indian Arts at San Ildefonso, New Mexico.

Popovi's death in 1971 escalated prices still further. Recent activities of the movie industry in this state have resulted in great demand for all Indian Arts and Crafts.

Newspapers, magazines and television have caught the enthusiasm and have pushed prices to great heights. Prestige names and historic associations drive prices up even more.

Indians traditionally have not chosen to take credit personally for their accomplishments. Names up to the present time have been little noted. Potters, Maria and Julian Martinez, early resisted signing their pieces or even accepting awards. This reluctance was finally overcome by directors of the American School of Research, who while aiding their village in developing its pottery, urged all potters to sign named ware which has recently reached the market and brought remarkable prices.

Maria's advanced age of 88 and her declining health make it unlikely that she will produce more pottery.

Popovi passed away at the height of his career on October 17, 1971. Because of his high standards seeking perfection of his material, of craftsmanship, and of design - his output was limited. Other factors in the limited output was his desire to further his mother's work; time spent for the welfare of his people; and public appearances as an internationally known ceramist and water color artist.

Chief outlets for this type of pottery are Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Denver and Tulsa. Only one small piece of Maria's pottery was for sale on February 15, 1972 and the price stated at that time was nearly eight times more than was asked in November, 1971.

The Philbrook Arts Center and Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa; the Anthropology Museum in Albuquerque; the Denver Art Museum and the Heard Museum of Phoenix report none of the pottery for sale as of October 14, 1972.

Maria's grandson, Tony Da, son of Popovi, was taught by his grandmother and his father realized as much as $4,000 a piece for his work.

The Southeby, Parke-Bernet Galleries in Los Angeles held an auction of American Indian Art on July 2, 1972 at which jewelry and figures reached unprecedented heights. Baskets which had made four figure prices at the November, 1971 sales dropped to a few hundred and even less than a hundred. Pottery, too, fell dramatically. No reserves were thought necessary. Lucky bidders received a signed Maria/Julian for $600.00 and two signed Maria/Popovi for $925.00. It is unlikely that this will ever happen again.

A Popovi/Tony is presently, or as of October 14, 1972, for sale at Santa Fe Indian Trading Store for $12,000.00.

Scarcity, increased demand and investment potentials will undoubtedly result in price increase for the Maria/Popovi pottery. Much of the production over the past few years has been purchased quickly by visitors to the area and the Pueblo. Occasionally, some of these private collectors release items for sale.

Special Announcement ARIZONA HIGHWAYS 1974 COLLECTOR SERIES

January... Turquoise

February... Prehistoric Pottery

May... Contemporary Pottery

Scheduled for July printing

48 Pages in Full Color

NAVAJO RUGS & BLANKETS SOUTHWEST INDIAN WEAVING