Condition: This sculpture is in perfect condition. Bronze Dimensions :Height 31 x Width 28.5 cm Weight : heavy
Material: (black gold) ebony Original or Reproduction: Original
„JESUS CHRIST SUFFERING”
Provenance: Private old
collection
Date: 1950’s
Antique stunning black Jesus Christ created by African old master. This artful expression of a black Jesus
Christ is crafted with extraordinary care. The artist paid attention to every
detail.
With this black Jesus Christ on the cross wall crucifix, we
remember that Jesus gave up His life in order to us to have eternal life. The
wall crucifix is hand-carved from a ebony. Artists have depicted Jesus Christ
in many different nationalities for centuries to express their shared
experience with the message of Christ that is available to all peoples. This black Jesus, made of ebony, measures 31 cm high and will
stand out in both size and elegance due to its sheer simplicity. If you are
looking to donate a gift with deep meaning to a church or religious
organization, this black Jesus Christ wall crucifix would make stunning
contribution to any wall.
African artists sculpt differently than sculptors from the
Western world.
They typically lack a university education. Their masters
and teachers are talented sculptors from the older generation. Most often,
these are family members (father or uncle).
African sculptors do not create designs on paper, they do
not draw sculptures on the material (wood) on which they work. They must have
the entire project in mind. This is a very difficult skill, especially since
there can be no mistakes in wood. They usually work with very simple tools,
which makes the job even more difficult. But that's not all. Ebony wood is an extremely hard and brittle material.
This adds to the difficulty of carving. All of this makes the work
exceptionally difficult. Considering all these difficulties, a talented African
carver is a true master.
Ebony (known as black gold) is the precious wood of
various species of trees (primarily ebony) growing in the tropics and
subtropics. It is one of the most expensive woods in the world.
Ebony is dyed dark or black, hard, heavy, and difficult to
split.
Ebony names are associated with the color of the wood, e.g.,
black ebony, green ebony, or the country or port of export, e.g., Bombay ebony,
Ceylon ebony, Madagascar ebony. Black ebony is the most valuable, and comes
primarily from species of trees in the Diospyros genus, primarily the ebony
persimmon (D. ebenum).
The wood used for African samkral sculptures is mpingo wood
(Dalbergia melanoxylon from the Papilonaceae family), referred to as Mozambique
ebony due to similar botanical characteristics. It is characterized by hardness
and durability. The black stem is surrounded by yellowish-whitish sapwood and
dark brown bark with a prominent, irregular pattern. Dark brown mpingo carvings
were formerly polished with a special mixture of wax and ash, but now a black
"kiwi" paste is used.
The Origins of Black Jesus Images
The origins of Black Jesus images can be traced back to
ancient times. Throughout history, people have depicted Jesus in various ways,
often influenced by their own cultural and artistic traditions. In some
cultures, Jesus has been depicted with darker skin tones, reflecting the
diversity of the regions where Christianity spread.
One example of an early Black Jesus image is the Coptic icon
of the Black Madonna and Child, which dates back to the 4th century. This icon
portrays Mary and Jesus with dark skin, symbolizing their African heritage. The
image has been revered by many as a powerful representation of the universality
of Christ’s message.
It is important to note that the depiction of Jesus as Black
is not meant to replace or invalidate other representations of Jesus. Rather,
it serves as a reminder of the diverse ways in which people have imagined and
connected with Jesus throughout history.
The Influence of African Spirituality on Black Jesus Images
African spirituality has played a significant role in
shaping the depiction of Black Jesus. Spirituality is a central aspect of
African culture, and it has influenced the way Black Jesus is portrayed in art
and religious imagery.
Black Jesus as a Symbol of Empowerment
Black Jesus is often seen as a symbol of empowerment for
Black communities. The representation of Jesus as Black it provides a sense of
pride and affirmation for Black individuals, who have historically been
marginalized and oppressed. By depicting Jesus as Black, it highlights the
importance of representation and the recognition of Black people’s
contributions to Christianity.
Moreover, the image of Black Jesus serves as a reminder of
the resilience and strength of Black communities throughout history. It
symbolizes the ability to overcome adversity and find hope in the face of
oppression. The representation of Jesus as Black empowers individuals to
embrace their cultural heritage and celebrate their identity.
In addition, Black Jesus images inspire social and political
activism. They challenge societal norms and call for justice and equality. The
image of a Black Jesus encourages individuals to fight against systemic racism
and advocate for the rights of marginalized communities. It serves as a
powerful symbol of resistance and solidarity.
Overall, Black Jesus as a symbol of empowerment has a
profound impact on individuals and communities. It challenges stereotypes,
promotes self-acceptance, and inspires collective action for social change.