Walter Howato – Large Hakto Katsina

This is a very large Hakto katsina by the late great Walter Howato (1921-2003). Walter was the co-developer of the Traditional Style katsina movement, along with Manfred Susunkewa, in the 1970s. This carving comes from the Joseph and Janice Day collection on Hopiland. They bought it directly from Walter.

This Hakto is 18 1/2” tall and 6 1/2” wide. The katsina is carrying a carved depiction of an antler in each hand – which is what Haktos carry. One of the tines of the antler in the right hand has broken off. I can have this sent to a professional restorer or the purchaser can do it himself/ herself. As shown in photo 4, he is wearing a turquoise chunk bracelet. He has a necklace made of heishi and turquoise with large dangling feather and a abalone pendant. He also is wearing a hand-painted leather sash and belt and a natural leather kilt. Hand-painted garments are unusual for Walter. The katsina’s large feet allow him to stand stably.