traditional ornaments

Facing death on the cross, Christ wears a crown of spiny thorns. For Christians, Good Friday marks a decisive moment as Jesus offers his life to atone for the world's sin. George Obeng works in warm teak wood to carve this sensitive relief sculpture for the wall.

Hands crossed in a gesture of reverence, a beautiful deva (angel) strolls through a wooded glade. In Thailand, devas are beings of exquisite grace and beauty who live in the heaven of sensuous pleasure. They often visit earth to help and protect humanity, or to bring messages from the gods. Using only hand tools, Tay Nontawat sculpts this panel of prized teak wood and the finished piece is dried in the sun. Nontawat then adds subtle color and protects it with a coat of lacquer.