Keith Torres
Star / Sohu
13 1/2"
H with 2 1/4" base
"The Star [or Sohu] Kachina
is a strange mixture with his fringed hunting shirt and kilt
of radiating turkey feathers. He does not resemble the usual
Hopi kachina. He appears in the Mixed Kachina Dance but never
comes as a single kachina.
Normally the points of the
stars have red stained "warrior" feathers on the tips,
and the top of the head is covered with sheepskin dyed black,
rather than real hair."
- Wright, Barton. Kachinas: a Hopi
Artist's Documentary (125)
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.