Guije II (2020)

Wood Sculpture by Fermin Castro on Wood Base

Source Wood:  Black Walnut

7" x 19" x 6" (W x H x D)

“Guijes” are imaginary beings with their origin in popular mythical stories related around the 19^th century from inhabitants of the northeastern provinces of Cuba.

As told by parents and grandparents, these apparitions would appear in the night near riverbanks, sometimes camouflaged by river branches and vegetation. Their connection to human beings was very ephemeral; avoiding all human contact they would rapidly disappear or hide if approached by humans.

The physical description instilled fear in children, a part-human, part-animal creature of two to three feet high, large eyes, protruding stomach, claws, and short legs.

Parents would use their versions of stories of the “guijes” to convince their children from going close to dangerous rivers and to obey their parents.

Of this popular fantasy, however, “guijes” were never known for harming children, but were instead given the responsibility for protecting the flora and fauna of the Cuban forests and dealt punishment for those who damaged “El Monte.”

“Guijes” have been portrayed in both Cuban music and literature, sometimes in satirical sketches.

Castro’s series of sculptures of “Guijes” is a reflection and recreation of this fantasy and his imagination of these mythical creatures is born from tales told to him by his father who was born and grew up in the northeastern part of Cuba.