Peacock: Tree of Life

Found Object Assemblage: Clay, Wood, Leather, Bottle Caps, Copper, Paint | 

25" x 24" x 20"

Bestiary:

Some Medieval bestiaries reveal peacocks placed over the nativity as a symbol of Christ. Roman Catholics placed images of the colorful birds on the walls of the catacombs as a sign of resurrection, renewal and immortality. Mosaic walls of many ancient Catholic baptistries were also illustrated with peacocks. It was believed that the peacock sheds its old feathers every year and grows more brilliant plumage as a symbol of everlasting life. For this reason, when peacocks were illustrated with their train fully spread into a fan it was understood that the bird represented the Tree of Life.

- Sunni Mercer