Buddha or Jesus?

Referencing the parable of the gospel of St. John 10: 1-21, in which Jesus is presented as the "good shepherd", who knows all his sheep and gives his life for them, the figuration of the Child Jesus is inspired by Eastern representations of Buddha.

Reproduced from engravings that came from the West, this piece was sculpted by local artisans, who added their own influences. Alongside Christian themes, others of an Eastern and universal nature appeared, thus helping to familiarize locals with the Christian message. 

The Child Jesus is sitting, with his legs crossed in the Eastern way (as a rule, the right one over the left). His face is resting on his right hand, in a meditative, dormant position.

On the first level of the emporium or rocky hill, water gushes from a gargoyle into a vessel where two birds drink - a metaphor for the word of God as an element of salvation.

Framing the sculpture is a “tree of life”, a motif found in all Eastern religions.  Divided by a central axis, the frieze of moving animals is also of Eastern origin. As usual in these depicts, the Child is dresses as a shepherd, albeit in an Asian-cut wool garment.

On the second level, inside a cave, we see a penitent Mary Magdalene, lying down in Indian style with her head in one hand and the Christian holy book in the other.

This is an excellent example of a cross between Western and Eastern cultures: a Christian religious figure, made by Indian artisans using local materials, techniques and references, with the goal of conveying elements of the Christian faith, integrating various inspirations, a parable of the Gospel of St. John.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters.

(Bible, Psalm 23: 1,2)