Church Representation

Item number Sf801 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Description

A very large ceramic church of orange-fired clay, crudely painted in off-white with details in two shades of brown. The single tower with dome and bell is surmounted by a cross. Modelled additions are used for the clock and architectural statues. Five modelled humans appear in three doorways. Some chipping and cracking around the base.

History Of Use

Pottery churches are made in all sizes with one or two towers. Always have a clock that is a copy of one on the main church in Ayacucho. At the feast of Zafacasa, people put a model church on the roof of a house, often accompanied by other figurines related to the occupation of the owner. This is a ceremony to protect the house and its inhabitants from evil (Abrams). Such churches are made in a range of sizes from a few inches to three feet tall and are also sold to tourists.

Iconographic Meaning

The facade of the church, which resembles 17th-18th c. Spanish ones, has six modelled figures which may correspond to figures of saints. The cross surmounting the church is a Christian symbol of Jesus' crucifixion.