Late 18th/19th century, made without nails and displaying primitive techniques. 16 ¾” height including the integral base. Wood cross with rabbeted junction of the cross beams and inset charges. The Corpus Christi carved in detail, gessoed and painted. The hands and feet secured to the cross with wood pegs. The beam tips relief carved as flower buds representing new or rebirth and resurrection. The base with “blood” painted on green ground. The size of this figure suggests use in a communal chapel or church rather than a home. It was preserved with the figure of St Francis (A9549) for which there is strong connection with the California missions founded by Franciscans. Wonderful colonial folk character.
