Martin, Mary Suina – Clay Bird Figure (1984)

Mary Suina Martin “Tsiranitsa”, was a daughter of Santana Suina.  She was the  mother of Gladys Martin and Adrienne Martin.  She began making pottery in 1974, learning to make storytellers from Dorothy Trujillo.  This storyteller is made from native clay, slipped with white clay and then painted with red clay slip and wild spinach (black).  The storyteller has three kids and she is intricately painted.  It is signed on the bottom, “M.M.”.  It was traditionally fired and in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, restoration, or repair.  Definitely a classic figure by this historically important potter!