Holy Land statues are hand carved figures of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, the Holy Family and the saints, made from olive wood that grows around Bethlehem. A Virgin Mary carving is one of the most loved of these pieces, showing Mary in prayer, holding the Christ child, or as Our Lady of many traditions, and it is kept in homes and prayer corners as a sign of faith and devotion.
Bethlehem Handicrafts carves statues by hand in Bethlehem and has placed them in Christian homes across America since 2000. This guide explains the kinds of Holy Land statues available, the meaning of a Marian carving, and how to choose one.
What Holy Land statues can you buy?
- The Virgin Mary. Carvings of Mary in prayer, with the Christ child, or as Our Lady of Grace and other titles.
- The Holy Family. Mary, Joseph and Jesus together, a favorite for weddings and new homes.
- Jesus and the Good Shepherd. Figures of Christ that bring the Gospel into the home.
- The saints. Saint Joseph, Saint Francis, Saint Charbel and others, carved for devotion and gifting.
- The Pieta. Mary holding the body of Christ, one of the most moving images in Christian art.
You can browse our carvings in the Virgin Mary collection, the wider Holy Land statues collection and the Christian statues collection.
What does a Virgin Mary statue symbolize?
A statue of the Virgin Mary is a sign of faith, prayer and the quiet strength of a mother who said yes to God. Carvings that show Mary holding the Christ child speak of her role in the story of salvation, while images of her in prayer invite the viewer to pray alongside her. For many families a Marian carving in the home is a place to pause, to give thanks and to ask for her prayers.
How do you choose a Holy Land statue?
Begin with the figure that means the most to you or to the person you are buying for, whether that is the Virgin Mary, the Holy Family or a beloved saint. Then think about size and place. A small carving suits a desk, a shelf or a bedside table, while a larger statue can anchor a mantel or a family prayer corner. Because every piece is carved by hand from olive wood, the grain and tone of each statue is unique.
Why are Holy Land carvings special?
A statue carved in Bethlehem comes from the land at the center of the Christian story, shaped by hand by a Christian artisan family that has kept the craft alive for generations. Olive wood is warm, strong and rich in Scripture, which makes a Holy Land statue both a work of art and a lasting connection to the place where the faith began.
Frequently asked questions
What does a Virgin Mary statue represent?
It represents faith, prayer and Mary's role as the mother of Jesus. Many families keep one in a prayer corner as a place to pray and give thanks.
What are Holy Land statues made of?
Most are carved from olive wood that grows around Bethlehem, prized for its warm grain, strength and deep place in Scripture.
Where can I buy an authentic Holy Land statue?
Bethlehem Handicrafts carves its statues by hand in Bethlehem and ships them across the United States, so each one is a genuine piece of the Holy Land.
What is a good statue for a wedding or new home gift?
A Holy Family carving or a Virgin Mary statue is a meaningful gift for a wedding, a new home or a baptism, and it becomes a lasting part of the household.
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