Keith Torres
Chaveyo
6 1/2"
H with 3/4" base
"Chaveyo is one of the
more cosmopolitan kachinas. He is represented in nearly every
pueblo, but his original home was probably in the San Juan area
of New Mexico. However, for the Hopis his home is the San Francisco
Mountains, and he is the husband of Hahai-i Wuhti. The family
of Hahai-i Wuhti and Chaveyo are the Nataskas, the dreadful Sosoyok't.
Chaveyo is the Sergeant Snorkel
of the kachinas. Should any Hopi fail to meet his obligations
in community work or transgress the unspoken rules of conduct
for the village, Chaveyo will show him the error of his ways.
Chaveyo often appears with Soyoko on First Mesa buy can appear
for the same purpose anytime during the spring months. However,
he is usually seen in the Powamu or Palolokongti (Water Serpent
Dance) being badgered by the clowns who eventually will be soundly
whacked for their efforts.
This 'giant' kachina is a
favorite of kachina carvers and his irritable cantankerousness
usually shows in the dolls that represent him. Those who see
him for the first time at a kachina dance usually remember the
kachina with 'all those feathers and a sword.'"
- Wright, Barton. Kachinas: a Hopi
Artist's Documentary (27)
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.
