"The Hopi word 'Kipok'
means 'go to battle' or 'attacking someone.' This kachina frequently
comes in the summer time with the clowns, although he may infrequently
appear during the fast parade. He has been known to gather men
and bring them to the proper kiva.
"He functions as a 'hunter'
of the clowns and has been seen to chastise the other kachinas
he apperas with in the mixed Kachina dance and to threaten punishment
for misbehavior.
"Dolls of this kachina
are not found in earlier collections and were called Powak Koyemsi
only a couple of decades ago. This is usually a sign that the
Kachina has not been present for a very long time for it is still
regarded with suspicion."
- Kachinas: Spirit Beings of the
Hopi, Neil David, et al. (116)
"Koyemsi or Mud-head
Kachinas are probably the most well known of all the Hopi kachinas.
They appear in almost every Hopi ceremony as clowns, interocutors,
announcers of dances, drummers, and many other roles."
- Barton Wright, Kachinas: a Hopi
Artists Documentary (238)
This particular 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.
His bases are unique and distinct,
and the figures are always engaged in some meaningful action.
Another notable aspect of his work is the natural characteristics
of the wood which are allowed to show through the paint work.
The headdress is a great feature
of this superb carving.
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.
