Leonard Howard (Navajo, 20th Century)
Seated Figure of Sitting Bull with Shield and Headdress, 1999
Hand-carved pink alabaster, signed Leonard Howard on rear left leg, dated ’99

A commanding and detailed figural sculpture by Navajo artist Leonard Howard, representing Sitting Bull (Tatanka Iyotake)—the revered Hunkpapa Lakota spiritual leader and strategist of the 19th century. Carved from pink-hued alabaster with natural veining, the work depicts the legendary figure seated in full ceremonial regalia, holding a tomahawk and a symbolic shield incised with a buffalo skull and whirling log motifs—ancient emblems of balance, continuity, and protection.

The figure is adorned with a traditional breastplate, choker, and fringed moccasins, and wears an iconic buffalo horn headdress, deeply rooted in Plains warrior tradition. Howard’s use of contrasting surface textures—polished and rough-hewn—enhances both the tactile and visual impact of the sculpture. Signed and dated by the artist, this work exemplifies his ability to synthesize cultural symbolism with a refined sculptural aesthetic.

Provenance:
Acquired from Cutter Gallery, Las Cruces, New Mexico, 2015.

Dimensions:
28.25 x 11 x 10 in. (71.75 x 27.9 x 25.4 cm)
Weight: 75 lbs
Please Note: Soup Can for Scale in Photo

Condition:
Excellent condition. No chips, cracks, or visible surface wear. Sculptural details remain crisp and well-defined; finish is clean and consistent throughout.

Leonard Howard (Navajo, 20th Century)

Leonard Howard is a Navajo (Diné) sculptor recognized for his hand-carved stone works that honor Native American cultural heritage and symbolism. Working primarily in alabaster and other regional stones, Howard creates figures that reflect traditional dress, spiritual regalia, and warrior iconography, often referencing figures from Plains and Southwestern tribal histories. His work is marked by an intricate attention to texture, balance between polished and natural surfaces, and a respect for Indigenous storytelling through visual form.

Active in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Howard’s sculptures have been exhibited and sold through respected galleries in the American Southwest, including Cutter Gallery in New Mexico. His pieces are held in private collections and have appeared in regional and national auctions. Though biographical information remains limited, Howard’s art is valued for its craftsmanship, cultural fidelity, and sculptural presence.