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In the North Quire Aisle, between two pillars and facing the steps up to St Cuthbert’s Shrine, is a remarkable piece of sculpture.

Lam’a Sabach’thani is by the Russian folk artist Kirill Okolov (1930-2004).

Interesting facts

  • This interesting piece of art is made of bronze, iron, and stone. It is quite small, measuring just 120cm in height, 81cm wide, and 30cm deep. The artist’s widow Dr Avril Pyman, who worked at Durham University, donated it in 2006.
  • The sculpture shows Jesus Christ’s crucifixion. Jesus can be seen facing upwards with an arch in his back and below the cross is a hammer and a skull. The name Lam’a Sabach’thani is an Aramaic quote from Psalm 22 meaning “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” It is also what St Matthew and St Mark record Jesus as saying before he died on the cross.

The skull of Adam

  • The metal cross is placed on a large block of stone which represents the hill of Golgotha, the site of Jesus’s crucifixion.
  • Many artistic representations of the crucifixion (like this one) feature a skull. This is the skull of Adam, the first man, as Golgotha was traditionally believed to be the site of his grave. By including it here, the artist is telling us that through Jesus’s death, Adam is redeemed, and his sins and those of all mankind are forgiven.

Thoughts and reflections

What do you see?

Author Philip Nixon suggests “This striking piece captures the essence of the cruel practice of crucifixion used by the Romans. Jesus’ body is arched away from the cross in excruciating pain – but his head is raised in the hope of resurrection.”

Follow the guided tour

You’re in: The Chapel of the Nine Altars You’re at: 'Lam'a Sabach'thani' - a metal Cross artwork Next stop: Illumination Window

  • Look above the metal Cross artwork
  • You will see the Illumination stained glass window