Nelson Mandela - The Mask of a Great Man

Last weekend we happened upon an African Sculpter, in a unique Catholic Monastry in Kwazulu Natal. I love visiting these places. Not just because I myself am Catholic, but because of the history associated with the buildings, the people and the simplicity of the way things used to be. This man had carved the most amazing crucifix of Jesus, almost life size. There was a piece of wood lying to one side that was about to become another crucifix and it was truly amazing to see how passion and talent can turn a simple piece of wood into something so beautiful. Leaning against the wall I found a carving of a face which reminded me of something out of Alice in Wonderland some how, like the cat in the tree. He turned out to be an interpretation of Nelson Mandela - here he is...