Tenth Station

In The Tenth Station of Bruce Onabrakpeya's Stations of the Cross series, Jesus is depicted being stripped of his garments by the guards. The act of stripping Jesus is a moment of humiliation, as he stands exposed and vulnerable before those who seek to degrade him. The guards, once again dressed in British colonial uniforms, symbolize the oppressive forces of power and authority.

Onabrakpeya's artistic choice to place the guards in colonial attire adds a layer of historical and political context to this biblical scene, linking the suffering of Christ to the experiences of exploitation and domination in African history. The stripping of Jesus' garments becomes not only a representation of physical degradation but also a metaphor for the cultural and personal identity that is taken away under colonial oppression.

This station emphasizes the stripping away of dignity, yet it also serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus' resilience and his willingness to endure suffering for a greater purpose. The contrast between the figures and the starkness of the moment captures the emotional weight of this phase in the journey to the cross.