The New Mexico artist Charlie Willeto spent most of his life as a shepherd, producing his distinctive carved and painted figures for barter at a local trading post. Prior to his death in 1964, he created at least four hundred figures. A few are life-sized (these can be seen at the Smithsonian American Art Museum) but most are of more modest scale. In form, Willeto's figures resemble the small, stylized carvings used in Navajo curing rites; the painted decoration he added may also be inspired by the inlay and ornament that appear on these historic examples.