Why did Maria Martinez begin signing her pots around 1920?

Why did Maria Martinez begin signing her pots around 1920?

• A. To indicate mass production
• B. To mark professionalism and elevate her work above 'craft'
• C. To hide for authenticity
• D. For export regulations

Answer: (B)

Signing her pots communicates that a single named artist created each piece, marking a move from viewing pottery as simple craft to recognizing it as individual art. By starting to sign around 1920, Maria Martinez asserted authorship and professionalism, signaling to galleries, collectors, and museums that these vessels were the work of a skilled artist rather than generic or mass-produced objects. This authentication helped elevate the perceived value of her work, supported her ability to sell and exhibit, and contributed to changing how Pueblo pottery was understood in the art world. The other options don’t fit because signing isn’t about mass production, it isn’t about hiding authenticity, and it isn’t driven by export rules.

Signing her pots communicates that a single named artist created each piece, marking a move from viewing pottery as simple craft to recognizing it as individual art. By starting to sign around 1920, Maria Martinez asserted authorship and professionalism, signaling to galleries, collectors, and museums that these vessels were the work of a skilled artist rather than generic or mass-produced objects. This authentication helped elevate the perceived value of her work, supported her ability to sell and exhibit, and contributed to changing how Pueblo pottery was understood in the art world. The other options don’t fit because signing isn’t about mass production, it isn’t about hiding authenticity, and it isn’t driven by export rules.