Emory Pohuma – Nata’aska with Route 66 Hakto on its Back

This is a very unusual carving, perhaps unique. The Nata’aska is clearly by accomplished carver, Emory Pohuma. His hands and feet were very distinctive. What makes this carving so unusual is the Route 66 style Hakto on its back. Note how the Hakto is carved out of the burden basket; they are one piece. This carving is 10 1/2″ tall, 12″ including the feathers. Emory’s katsinam are in various museum collections. The katsina stands stably. There is a unobtrusive repaired break on the left arm. I would date it to the 1950s-60s.