Keith Torres
Broadface
13 1/4"
H with 2 1/2" base
"In every ceremony there
are guards to prevent any transgression on the path of the kachinas.
In addition, guards or Angry Kachinas were formerly used to enforce
community work such as the cleaning of springs.
"It is to this category
that the Wuyak-kuita belongs. There is evidence that this kachina
has many forms that have changed through time. Wuyak-kuita is
most often seen bringing up the rear of the Bean Dance Procession
or circling wide at the sides.
"He is the one who moves
toward the clowns and absolutely terrifies them. On Third Mesa
these are the kachinas who guard the kivas to keep He'e'e from
approaching too close during the Palolokong Ceremony, or from
going to the Flute Spring during the same ceremony. This form
of the kachina is the one most commonly seen at ceremonies like
the Powamu."
- Barton Wright, Kachinas: a Hopi
Artist's Documentary (26)
This unique piece was created
by the talented and well-known artist, Keith Torres. His attention
to detail, and the life-like realism of his work is what sets
his pieces apart. Another
notable aspect of his work is the natural characteristics of
the wood which are allowed to show through the paint work.
The anatomy and proportion
of Keith's work is always impressive. The hands have been carefuly
detailed, and the arms, legs and shoulders are all done appropriately.
Keith A. Torres is from First
Mesa. He is of the Coyote and Fire Clans. He learned to carve
from his uncle, Edward Poleahla, and has since won awards for
his carving such as First Place in 1996 at the Gallup Ceremonial.
He is listed in Erik Bromberg's
The Hopi Approach to the Art of KACHINA DOLL CARVING.
Keith is an exceptional carver who has a wonderful eye for detail
along with the skill and ability to create truly important works
of art through his carving.