James Samikwa – Stations of the Cross

Malawi – Dedza District – Mua Parish   These Stations of the Cross follow the order prescribed by the Novus Ordo. They include not only the Passion narrative but also (unusually) the Resurrection.   KAP.B(i).01.01.01.24 Artist: James Samikwa Title: Stations of the Cross Date: 1989 Themes: Christ, Church Furniture, Passion, Resurrection, Stations of the Cross…

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Claude Boucher, Joseph Kadzombe & Patricio Tambala Mponyani – Lozenge 02

Malawi – Dedza District – Mua Parish   … And the second emphasizes the dignity of work, both in the family and in the community.   KAP.B(i).01.01.01.23 Artist: Claude Boucher, Patricio Tambala Mponyani & Joseph Kadzombe Title: Lozenge 02 Date: 1989 Themes: Architecture, Church Decoration, Community, Family, Work Source: Vidi

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Claude Boucher, Joseph Kadzombe & Patricio Tambala Mponyani – Lozenge 01

Malawi – Dedza District – Mua Parish   This is one of two lozenges, wrought from banana leaves, which are placed either side of the West Door. They serve to prepare the congregation for life in the world on leaving the church. The first emphasizes the family and works of charity…   KAP.B(i).01.01.01.04 Artist: Claude…

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Claude Boucher & Patricio Tambala Mponyani – Men’s Work

Malawi – Dedza District – Mua Parish   These wall paintings are applied to the side of the church where the men sit and evoke their world. They are the companions to the pieces that depict ‘Women’s Work’ on the South Side. Illustrations are, respectively, of carving, the sewing of mats, forestry, drums (and art),…

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Ismael Mulera – Father & Son

Malawi – Dedza District – Mua Parish   This is the companion piece to Ismael Mulera’s Mother & Child and stands at the front of the church on the side where the men sit. The staff imparts to Joseph a commanding presence. This is an unusual depiction. The work is designed expressly to encourage the…

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Telesphore Mpira – Baptismal Font (New Life with Plants)

Malawi – Dedza District – Mua Parish   Telesphore Mpira is one of the several brothers of Thomas Mpira who have also established themselves at Kungoni Centre. This baptismal font is in a state of some disrepair. However, it is lavishly decorated with plants, which suggest the work of cultivation that is placed upon the…

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Thomas Mpira – Paschal Candle (Celestial Village)

Malawi – Dedza District – Mua Parish   The Paschal candlestick has at its centre a depiction of the risen Christ, with stigmata. Through Christ’s suffering he incorporates the people gathered around him into the celestial village. At the foot of the candlestick parents are passing a new-born child over fire: this is the Chewa…

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Leonard Chikasasa – Risen Christ

Malawi – Dedza District – Mua Parish   Christ is depicted on a background of geometrical patterns forming a cross not crucified but risen. He wears a large cloth-like priestly garment that suggests a traditional rain priest, i.e. a shrine officiant in the Mbewe caste. Christ is chief priest; and the detail of the priestly garment,…

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Claude Boucher & Patricio Tambana Mponyani – Tabernacle Stand

Malawi – Dedza District – Mua Parish   The tabernacle base is made of wood recycled from the beams of the old church. The original was the idea of Joseph Kuppens and Georg Messer, and executed (like the tabernacle) by Arkadio Siwinda, but the decoration is Claude Boucher’s. The tsekere grass adorned the pre-existing altar.…

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Arkadio Siwinda – Tabernacle (Nkhokwe / Kachisi)

Malawi – Dedza District – Mua Parish   Arkadio Siwinda (Chief Kamchwamba) made this tabernacle for the original church. His trade was that of carpenter, and it is possible to see in the careful finish of this work the inheritance of the carpentry workshop for which Mua was renowned over many decades. The tabernacle was…

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