Picuris Pueblo in Taos County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Maria Ramita Simbola Martinez "Summer Harvest" (1884-1969)

Cora Durand (1904-1981),Virginia Duran (1904-1998)

— Picuris Pueblo —

Maria Ramita Simbola Martinez "Summer Harvest" (1884-1969) Marker image. Click for full size.

June 7, 2011

1. Maria Ramita Simbola Martinez "Summer Harvest" (1884-1969) Marker

Inscription. Maria Ramita Simbola Martinez, Cora Durand, and Virginia Duran helped to preserve the distinctive micaceous pottery tradition that is important in Picuris and other nearby pueblos. Made with locally mined mica-rich clay, these unusual pots have a glittery sheen. They are fired at low temperatures which makes them ideal for cooking. While valued for their utility, these pots are also now considered works of art.

Erected 2010 by New Mexico Historic Preservation Division.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans • Women. In addition, it is included in the New Mexico Women’s Historic Marker Initiative series list.

Location. 36° 12.015′ N, 105° 44.008′ W. Marker is in Picuris Pueblo, New Mexico, in Taos County. Marker is at the intersection of State Road 75 and BIA 205 (Loop Road 205), on the left when traveling east on State Road 75. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Penasco NM 87553, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 13 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Pueblo of Picuris (approx. 1.4 miles away); Las Trampas (approx. 5 miles away); Pilar (approx. 5.6 miles away); Captive Women and Children of Taos County / María Rosa Villapando, (ca. 1725-1830)

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(approx. 7½ miles away); William J. Klauer (approx. 7½ miles away); Embudo Stream-Gaging Station (approx. 11 miles away); Truchas Peaks (approx. 11.2 miles away); Truchas (approx. 12.3 miles away).

More about this marker. This marker is a result of the Historic Women Marker Initiative which seeks to install 54 markers representing the contributions of women to New Mexico history in each county and for every pueblo and Indian tribe in the state.

Additional keywords. Picuris, micaceous clay, New Mexico Historic Women Marker Initiative

June 7, 2011

2. Maria Ramita Simbola Martinez "Summer Harvest" (1884-1969) Marker

June 7, 2011

3. Maria Ramita Simbola Martinez "Summer Harvest" (1884-1969) Marker

The view north

June 7, 2011

4. Maria Ramita Simbola Martinez "Summer Harvest" (1884-1969) Marker

The view east

June 7, 2011

5. Maria Ramita Simbola Martinez "Summer Harvest" (1884-1969) Marker

The view west. Smoke from the Wallow Fire is coloring the sky.

June 7, 2011

6. Maria Ramita Simbola Martinez "Summer Harvest" (1884-1969) Marker

The view east

Pot by noted Picuris Potter Edward Lucero, Buffalo Thunder Casino image. Click for full size.

June 7, 2011

7. Pot by noted Picuris Potter Edward Lucero, Buffalo Thunder Casino

This pot displays Lucero's style of pottery: the raised "nailheads" around the jar, the fine shape and the distinctive "fire kiss" from the firing process.

Picuris pottery in a Penasco NM gift store image. Click for full size.

June 6, 2011

8. Picuris pottery in a Penasco NM gift store

The golden shine is notable. Maybe enough for a native person to tell newcomers to the region people eat from golden pots upriver in the cities

Credits. This page was last revised on April 18, 2018. It was originally submitted on June 27, 2011. This page has been viewed 1,289 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on June 27, 2011. 7, 8. submitted on June 27, 2011, by Chris English of Phoenix, Arizona. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.