Maori Christ Crowned with Thorns

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RELIGIOUS UTTERANCES – art of faith introduces the reader to humanity’s historic relationship between art and faith. This daily series of articles examines the interlacing of art and faith from across the Anglican Communion. The title of the series, Religious Utterances, comes from systematic theologian Dr. Cecilia Gonzalez-Andrieu, whose work seeks “a recovery of humanity’s religious utterances through art.”

RELIGIOUS UTTERANCES – art of faith

Tenth in a series:

Maori Carving of the Head of Christ

St Joseph’s Catholic Church

Jerusalem on the Whanganui River, New Zealand

Theme: Tradition

Altar Frontispiece Featuring Maori Carving of Christ Crowned with Thorns

This carving of the head of Christ is the center piece of the altar frontispiece in St. Joseph’s Church at Jerusalem on the Whanganui River in New Zealand. Christ is represented in traditional Maori fashion with face tattoos (ta moko) and a crown of thorns. Paua (abalone) shell is used to decorate the carving.

Source: John Corney

On View: Altar frontispiece , St Joseph’s Church, Jerusalem. John Corney, photographer.

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