Madonna with ta moko in marble by Sharon Painter-Arps Carrara marble bust of Madonna with Maori moko carved Start Price USD 2,900.00 Current Price USD 2,900.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price USD 3,000.00 Reserve Price - Start Time Sunday, November 16, 2008 End Time Sunday, November 23, 2008 Location Greymouth, Westland 7805 See more about 'Madonna with ta moko in marble by Sharon Painter-Arps' Description   Title: Madonna with ta MokoMedium: Carrara marbleDimensions:   9 inches x 6 inches x 3 inches. (23 cm x 14.5 cm x 75 mm) This unique carving is a bi-cultural statement about past attitudes in New Zealand, a juxtapostion of  ta moko with the face of the Madonna from Michelangelo's Pieta.Background: The ta moko (maori tattoo) on the face of this carving is based on Patorama Tamatea's wooden carving of the Madonna and Child as a commission to the Catholic Church. The carving was rejected as it was considered that the patrons of the church would not accept an image of the Madonna in Maori terms. In my version placing the moko on the image of the Madonna by Michelangelo validates and reinforces both versions. The stone is from a demolished Catholic church in my home town adding to the significance of the sculpture.  The back has been scooped out to allow translucency around the eyes symbolising the light of God.  The base echoes the base of the Pieta in shape.   To see more of my sculptures google my name and take a journey around my website. Place a Bid!