Creating Ethnically Authentic Bible Art

In today’s world, there’s an increasing awareness among Christians regarding the representation of characters from the Bible. The concern centers on the portrayal of Jesus and other biblical figures with light skin tones, which has been influenced by European art traditions. At We Who Thirst, we’re committed to addressing this issue head-on by creating ethnically authentic Bible art.

In this blog post, we’ll take you behind the scenes to reveal our meticulous process of creating ethnically authentic Bible art in the form of peg dolls, paper dolls, and other artistic elements that reflect the true diversity of the Bible.

Step 1: Challenging the Status Quo with Ethnically Authentic Bible Art

We recognize the importance of authentically depicting the diverse range of ethnicities present in the Bible. Traditional depictions with light Caucasian skin tones fail to capture the true essence of these characters. Our mission is to correct this by ensuring our ethnically authentic Bible artwork reflects the archaeological data that gives us insight into the skin tones of various ethnic groups throughout biblical history.

Step 2: Thorough Research and Data Exploration

To achieve ethnically authentic artwork, we embark on a journey of meticulous research. The key lies in understanding the ethnic group and time period associated with each biblical figure. We delve into the archaeological record to uncover artifacts that offer insights into the color of people’s skin during that era. From Persians and Egyptians to Hebrews and Cushites, each group is unique.

Step 3: Matching Art to Archaeology

The heart of our process involves bridging the gap between history and modern day Bible illustrations. Once we’ve gathered information on a specific ethnic group, we search for archaeological artifacts that depict the color of their skin. By closely examining frescoes, reliefs, and other artifacts, we aim to extract the most accurate representation of skin tone.

Step 4: Translating Archaeology into Art

With archaeological data in hand, we move on to the creative phase. We match the skin tone using paints or digital tools, ensuring that our artwork reflects the true colors of the past. Whether through brush strokes or digital screens, our goal is to bring these ancient characters to life in the most authentic way possible.

Navigating Limitations

While our process strives for accuracy, it’s important to acknowledge its limitations.

Over thousands of years, paint and dye colors can change due to weathering and other factors. When dealing with facsimiles of ancient artworks, we rely on the accuracy of the depictions we have access to. Additionally, working with images introduces variables like modifications and screen resolutions that can slightly alter colors.

Final Thoughts Regarding Ethnically Authentic Bible Art

Creating ethnically authentic Bible artwork is a labor of love that involves meticulous research, creative adaptation, and a dedication to honoring the rich diversity of biblical history. While we acknowledge the challenges and limitations inherent in our process, our commitment remains unwavering.

Our goal is to ensure that the people of the Bible are portrayed authentically and respectfully, reflecting the true tapestry of God’s image bearers. With each brushstroke and digital design, we strive to bridge the gap between the past and the present, offering a visual narrative that speaks to the depths of Bible history.