Keith Torres
White Ogre
Wiharu
16" H
with 2 1/2" base
The Wiharu functions
in exactly the same way as the Nataska, only it appears
in white.
"The fearsome Nataska
always come as a pair. They accompany the Soyoko on their collection
trip and usually stand directly behind the member of the crew
who is bargaining with the relatives of the children.
"They make horrible noises,
dragging their saws [and knives, or whatever it may be] along
the side of the house or on the ground. All the while, they keep
up a steady stamping that makes the turtle-shell rattles on their
legs sound ominously.
"They are supposed to
be able to eat a child whole; from the very earliest age, the
child has heard stories of these monsters - how they would descend
on children playing near the village and haul them away to cook
and eat. So it is no wonder that the children are petrified at
their actual appearance!
"Usually only dark colored
clothes are put on this kachina pair, who should have horns.
The feather fan is made of turkey feathers which are placed close
together to form a large mass behind the head that makes the
figures appear much taller and broader."
- Barton Wright, Kachinas: a Hopi
Artists Documentary (78)
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.