Wuyak-kuita
"Broadface Guard"
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 Palölökong Ceremony, or from going to the Flute Spring during the
same ceremony.
