Fannie Nampeyo (Popong Mana, c. 1900-1987)

Fannie was Nampeyo's youngest daughter and arguably the most talented potter among her offspring but also the least compatible with her mother. Her life spanned the lion's share of the 20th century, and she remained a prolific artist almost to the time of her death. In addition to emulating her mother's ceramic virtuosity, Fannie inherited Nampeyo's role as matriarch of the Corn Clan—a vitally important and time-consuming ceremonial position.

Fannie was rebellious, and bucking tradition and mores, married her cousin, Vinton Polacca, son of Tom Polacca, who was the brother of Nampeyo, Fannie's mother. Instead of adhering to Hopi ways, they raised their seven corn clan children as...