JULIA MARTINEZ Santa Clara Pueblo Blackware Bear Figurine Signed 3.5\" For Sale

Signed Santa Clara Pueblo Blackware Bear Figurine

• Handmade polished blackware pottery
• Seated bear holding its front paws near its mouth
• Sculpted ears, muzzle, paws, and feet
• Underside appears signed “Julia Martinez”
• Also inscribed “Santa Clara Pueblo”
• Approximately 3½ inches tall
• Approximately 2¼ inches wide at the widest point
• Weight: approximately 7 ounces
• Collection number: VH-003
• No chips, cracks, or repairs noted

The underside appears to be signed Julia Martinez, although portions of the inscription are worn and difficult to decipher. The signature is shown in enlarged photographs so buyers may review it directly.

From The Rev. Virgil Hague Santa Clara Pueblo Pottery Collection.

Rev. Hague was a United Methodist minister active in northern New Mexico and connected with the McCurdy Schools in Española. Through his regional relationships, he acquired Santa Clara Pueblo pottery and preserved it together with original artist cards, period photographs, newspaper clippings, and related archival materials.

After Rev. Hague’s passing, the collection passed directly to his daughter and remained with her until her passing. It was subsequently acquired from her estate.

A reproduction of the collection provenance page will accompany this piece. The original archive remains with the collection.