Primitive southwest style Christian cross. From cholla skeleton.

Description

This is a primitive, rough kind of piece which looks very hand made because it is made that way with hand tools etc. It is 11" tall by 9 " wide. The wood is the skeletal remains of the desert cholla. Cylindropuntia fulgida, the jumping cholla, also known as the hanging chain cholla, is a cholla cactus native to the Southwestern United States and Sonora. In some Native traditions in Sonora the cholla represents protection from evil, and the thorny plants are strewn around a dwelling. The cholla "wood" is fairly brittle, so care should be exercised in handling this. If the two pieces do come apart, just use tacky glue, elmers, or some kind of epoxy to re-attach them. The entire piece has been treated by a clear protective varnish. It should last many years.