Heras, Nancy

Nancy Heras de Martinez ( -2016) of Mata Ortiz was the wife of Luis Martinez. Luis’ grandfather was a Mr. Fong, a Chinese immigrant to Mexico who settled in Chihuahua while working for the railroad. Luis learned how to make pottery through watching and working with Hector Gallegos Sr., Nancy learned from Luis.

Nancy made mostly effigies and square-shouldered jars. Her decorations were derived mostly from ancient Paquimé designs. She had a particular affinity for making bird effigies and for painting lizards and rabbits in her decorations.