Harold Willeto was born 1959 high in the canyon behind the Nageezi Trading Post. He is the son of Navajo folk artists Charlie and Elizabeth Willeto. Charlie, who also was a medicine man, was probably the most famous of all Navajo Folk Artists.
In the 1960’s Charlie broke the Navajo taboo of carving figures out of wood. Charlie Willeto died young, and six of his children died young. Harold believes the untimely deaths may be a direct result of his father’s breaking tribal taboos of carving figures out of wood.
Initially, Harold didn’t want to carve, but his mother put pressure on him to bring in some income. Harold has carried on his father’s style, although he wishes to be unique and individual. “It’s my work” he states. “I enjoy doing it. I hope other people enjoy it, too.”
By 1988 Harold was carving and painting Cottonwood or pine sculptures. There is a great demand for his and his brother’s (Robin Willeto) work. They appear in shows and festivals throughout the region.
Harold finds the cottonwood or pine he uses in the wilderness around Nageezi. He rough cuts the wood, chisels the finer features and finishes it by a light sanding, allowing the grain to show. The carvings are then painted with acrylics or dyes and often embellished with sweet grass and feathers.
It is often said that the Willeto demand is greater than the supply.
