Note 45 — PAINTING

The use of this paint for producing designs upon polished black ware was discovered by Maria Martinez in June, 1921. On inquiring why other potters did not copy the process, it was learned that because of certain taboo-like restrictions the secret of making this kind of ware would not be disclosed until a year after its discovery. Although the matter could not be further investigated because of the unwillingness of the Indians to discuss such things, it would appear that we have in this case a sort of primitive patent-right. At the present time (1925) practically all San Ildefonso potters make this ware, which has proved extraordinarily popular; Maria, however, still produces by far the finest pieces (see pl. 8, a).