Submitted by Mark Duriuex
Few people know the rich history and spirituality of indigenous Christian iconography — even within Christian churches.
Iconography for indigenous peoples is often called a lost art form. The old-new tradition is making a comeback to preserve, tell, and celebrate their original tales.
The profound symbolism of indigenous Christians goes back thousands of years. Some symbols draw inspiration from pre-Christian sources.
Symbols for the people
Many symbols used in indigenous Christian iconography are intended to help preserve their stories, history, and identity. These symbols may be used outside church walls to communicate their message to the general community.
Mayans revere the quetzal, a sacred bird. In Maya iconography, Christ is often portrayed as a quetzal. The quetzal symbolizes hope and liberation. The quetzal represents Jesus because he came to liberate us from our oppressors. The Resplendent Quetzal is the national bird of Guatemala.
Another common indigenous Christian symbol is the cross. The cross is used as a metaphor for the suffering of Christ on the cross. Still, it also has a much deeper meaning for indigenous peoples. The cross represents our connection to the natural world. It reminds us that we are all connected and children of God.
Indigenous Christian iconography offers a unique form of liberation theology in which their original stories are preserved, retold, and celebrated. This allows them to maintain their deep connection to their culture and spirituality while sharing their faith with others.
