Slaying of the Innocents

Slaying of the Innocents (ceramic)
Ocumicho, Mexico
Circa 2004
19 x 16 ¾ x 8 inches
Collection of Judith Davis

A ceramic version of the Slaying of the Innocents (Matthew 2:16-18). Herod issued an edict to slay all children in and around Bethlehem who were 2 years old or younger in order to slay the infant Jesus. The work shows Herod's palace, with birds across the top and pillars made of lilies. On the upper level are Herod, a soldier with a sword, and another man. On the lower level are 2 women with babies, one lying in front of Herod and the soldier, with what appears to be a stream of blood running down. There is also a fountain where birds bathe, with a woman standing alongside. Also, on the top level is a large disc with symbols of the Masons and with an eagle in front.

This wonderful piece was collected by Judith Davis, an East Bay resident, who has collected creches and nativity scenes in all forms for many years. Five other pieces from her collection are on display in this exhibition: Ceramic Arboles de la Vida (Trees of Life) by Alfonso Castillo Orta; a commisioned carved wood nativity by Oscar Zeke, a Zambian artist; a ceramic Nahual Nativity by Angelica Vasquez Cruz; a ceramic Creche in the Lap of an Angel by Louis Naranjo; a papercut Nativity by He Qi.