M/C Martinez Zuni Pueblo Pottery Bowl – Hand Coiled & Painted, 2002

Hand-coiled and hand-painted by M/C Martinez, this signed Zuni Pueblo pottery bowl (marked “M/C Martinez © Zuni 2002”) stands as a luminous expression of A:shiwi artistry—rooted in centuries of cultural tradition and reverence for the natural world.

Created in the heart of Zuni Pueblo, New Mexico, the bowl embodies the spirit of a people whose craft has endured for over a thousand years. Zuni potters are renowned for their mastery of form, their harmony of proportion, and their use of bold geometric and floral symbolism to reflect the sacred balance of life. Each design—painted with natural pigments and fine yucca brushes—tells a story of rain, fertility, and renewal, themes essential to Zuni cosmology.

The generous 14-inch diameter accentuates its flowing symmetry, while the crisp black-and-white motifs radiate across warm clay tones in rhythmic harmony. Its scalloped rim and central rosette create a mesmerizing interplay of movement and stillness, echoing the ceremonial dances and water songs that have sustained Zuni identity for generations.

Both contemporary and timeless, this piece bridges ancestral technique with modern sensibility—offering not just an object of beauty, but a vessel of cultural memory and continuity.

Condition

In very good condition, showing light wear consistent with age and careful display. No cracks, chips, or repairs observed. The surface remains smooth and the painted motifs crisp and intact. Slight coarse texture around the rim is part of the original craftsmanship, consistent with traditional hand-coiling and shaping methods.

Dimensions

Height: 4.25 inches
Diameter: 14 inches
Please Note: Soup for Scale in Photo

About the Zuni People:
Zuni Pueblo (A:shiwi) is one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in North America. Known for its matrilineal social structure, deep spiritual connection to the land, and ceremonial life centered on harmony and renewal, Zuni art serves as a living language of cultural expression. Pottery, jewelry, and carving all carry sacred significance—each handmade piece an offering of identity, prayer, and artistic devotion.