Stetson Honyumptewa
Broadface
6 1/2"
total height
"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)
Stetson Honyumptewa is recognized
as one of the leading contemporary kachina carvers. Subsequently
his work is highly sought-after and can be hard to find under
five figures.
He is known for his incredible
detail and attention to proportionate anatomy. He has paved the
way for many carvers in the younger generation, including his
nephew Ronald Honyumptewa.
Now living in Santa Fe, Stetson
continues to practice the traditional art of Hopi kachina carving
and makes regular trips back home where he participates in the
ceremonies with relatives and other peers such as Loren Phillips,
and others.
