Maho, Patty

Patty Maho (1904-1993) was a Hopi-Tewa potter. She never went to a formal school and she never learned to speak English. She spoke only Tewa and some Hopi. She learned how to make pottery but she didn’t know how to paint and was frustrated by her efforts. So her sister, Mamie Nahoodyce, did her painting for her until she felt confident enough in her own skill. The sisters were collaborators most of their lives. Patty was an active potter from 1930 to 1979. Mamie was an active potter from 1930 to 1980.

Patty and Mamie were cousins of Sadie Adams, Joy Navasie and Lena Charlie, and nieces of Paqua Naha.