Artist Statement: This unique hand carved Spanish Cross is rich in the symbols of the crucifixion of Jesus, often referred to as the Passion of Jesus. In Christianity, the word Passion is from the Latin verb, passus sum, which means to suffer, bear, or endure. The wood cross is the most recognized symbol of the Passion of Jesus. The purse of spilt coins are representative of Judas’ betrayal of Jesus, as well as human greed and avarice. The crown of thorns reminds us of the soldiers' mockery of Christ and their ironic ascription of His place as King of the Jews. The hammer, nails, and pliers were instruments used to hang and remove Jesus from the cross, and are symbolic of his suffering. The nails appear in a set of three, to symbolize Jesus as a member of the Trinity. The ladder is associated with the sponge affixed to a reed which was used to offer Jesus vinegar to drink while he was on the cross. The spear was used to pierce Jesus’ side to ensure his death. The skull and cross bones are symbolic of Jesus’ death. A skull placed at the foot of the cross is usually understood to be the skull of Adam, a reminder that in Adam all died, but in Christ, the Second Adam, all will be made alive. The most prominent feature, the intricately carved wings, are symbolic of Jesus’ resurrection and subsequent rising to heaven. Finally, the large altered Bible hanging from the cross is representative of the Word of God where Jesus is pictured or prophesied about in each of its 66 books.