Large Iconic Charlie Willeto Wood Carving, c. 1960s [SOLD]

This powerful and substantial wood figure by Charlie Willeto (1897-1964) is a striking example of the artist's distinct vision and expressive style. Standing 26 inches tall, the sculpture depicts a stylized male figure with arms straight down to the sides and crossing his belly, evoking the static stance of early Hopi katsina dolls prior to the 1940s. However, this is not a katsina but a figure imbued with spiritual meaning unique to Willeto's own worldview.

Carved from a single piece of wood that had already split vertically — visible in the central fissure running through the face and body — the crack itself was incorporated into the design, with Willeto painting over it in cream on the face. This adaptive technique speaks to the raw, intuitive nature of Willeto's creative process.

The figure is painted in earthy tones with cream, black, and brown pigments, featuring symbolic sunburst motifs on its back and painted adornments across the torso and abdomen. A necklace and central "sun spot" on the belly add to the sense of mystical energy. The sculpture radiates a primal, elemental presence, further enhanced by its surface texture and timeworn patina.

Willeto, a Diné medicine man, only began carving in 1961, producing around 400 figures before his passing in 1964. Though largely unrecognized during his lifetime, his works are now celebrated and held in major collections, including the Smithsonian Institution and the Museum of International Folk Art.

This carving is more substantial than most Willeto works seen in past collections and represents a rare opportunity to acquire an outstanding piece from a singular artist whose work defies easy categorization. The sculpture is accompanied by a metal stand for easy display.

Condition: original condition

Provenance: This Large Iconic Charlie Willeto Wood Carving, c. 1960s is from a Santa Fe collector

Recommended Reading: Collective Willeto: The Visionary Carvings of a Navajo Artist, Museum of New Mexico Press

TAGS: Diné of the Navajo Nation, Charlie Willeto