Keith Torres
Dawa / Sun
6" H
incl. 1/2" base
This figure 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.
The Sun Kachina (Dawa) is
a representation of the spirit of the Sun. He is very seldom
seen in public because the performance of the rituals is sacred
and secret...reserved only for specific clans or high priesthood
leaders. Although very popular among the carvers, he seldom appears
in the Kachina dances. The Sun Kachina radiates rays down to
the Earth giving it warmth and life.
The mask of the Sun Kachina
is a representation of the round face of the Sun. The lower half
of the face is blue with rectangular eyes, a triangle mouth and
vertical bars on each cheek. Carved red horsehair hangs from
his forehead and drapes the mask.
According to Barton Wright,
"the Sun Kachina is a representation of the spirit of the
Sun, though on occasion be called the Sun Shield Kachina. He
appears in a role very similar to that of the Nakiachop or Talavai,
standing to the side with a spruce tree in his left hand and
a bell in his right.
Also, he may appear in a Mixed
Dance with the flute in his left hand that is associated with
him in many myths. He is not often personated."
- Barton Wright, Kachinas:
a Hopi Artist's Documentary (124)
