'The Great Elevation' chalice and host

The title of this sculpture ‘The Great Elevation’ refers to the Christian ritual of raising a piece of bread and a chalice of wine during the celebration of the Holy Communion or Last Supper of Christ. It is an example of the integration of an indigenous Solomon Islands wood carving style with Christian symbols and motifs. The use of dark timber and carefully fitted shell inlay is a distinctive feature of wood carving from the region.

Reverend Francis Taupongi

The sculpture was made by Reverend Francis Taupongi from Bellona in the Solomon Islands. He has a national reputation as a fine carver and shell inlayer and was Premier of Rennell and Bellona between 1999-2003. He was also a former Member of the Central Islands Provincial Legislature and a member of the General Synod of the Church of Melanesia.

Acquisition History

Reverend Taupongi created this work in 2007 while he was a student at the Bishop Patteson Theological College in Kohimarama, Solomon Islands. The seminary is operated by the Anglican Church of Melanesia and is named after John Patteson, first Bishop of Melanesia.