"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)
Arthur Holmes Jr. is the son
of well-known Hopi carver, Arthur Holmes Sr. Both have received
recognition for their superb work in kachina carving. Highly
sought after by collectors, both Arthur Jr. and his father keep
busy producing some of the finest carvings available.
Their work can only be found
in the most discriminating collections, galleries, and museums
around the world. Arthur has truly caught his father's vision
for realistic contemporary kachina carving.
As a Hopi Kachina Carver,
Artist Arthur Holmes, Jr. has often found that the pieces he
carves, will become what they want to become. Every aspect of
this piece is detailed to the extreme. We took special notice
of the hands and fingernails.
Arthur Holmes, Jr. is considered
to be one of the best, if not the best, high-end Katsina carver
of our time. His work is a collector's dream because of the exquisite
detail he is known for. Arthur Jr. is a very quiet person who
enjoys carving in seclusion. He keeps his surroundings surreal,
breath taking, and relaxing, creating most of his carvings in
the out-doors. This allows him to feel at one with nature, and
allows him to relax as he creates each masterpiece.
Arthur was taught by his father,
who is very proud of his son, and is pleased with the level of
talent that he has developed. He feels that his son has surpassed
his own work and is very proud of this.
The work of Arthur Holmes
Jr., speaks for itself. Although Arthur Jr. has not entered himself
into many juried competitions, which some say he would easily
win, his work is known throughout the carving and collecting
community, as "elite".
If you're looking to add an
excellent example by one of the living-masters - here's your
chance.