11/11/2025
Twelve Tribes Map
Early in June I was contacted, via my website, by a person who wanted a design he envisioned. He wanted a dimensional map of ancient Israel. He included a list of specifications, which were the following:
* custom sculpture that would depict the ancient Land of Israel, with an emphasis
on historical and symbolic detail. The concept is as follows:
* A detailed representation of the tribal territories of the 12 Tribes of Israel
• Each tribal area should be color-coded to match the gemstone associated with that tribe from the Choshen (breastplate)
• Levitical cities and the designated Cities of Refuge should be clearly marked
• The sculpture should not exceed 20 inches in total height, including any base
• I (client)will provide reference maps and a gemstone color legend for guidance
• I'm open to your suggestions regarding the best materials (stone, resin, metal, wood, or mixed media) to achieve a high-end, visually striking result.
• The final piece should have a true "wow" factor—museum-quality and heirloom grade.
At first, I thought of creating the piece as a cast metal topographic map with the texture of mountains, rivers, and plains. I was unsure how to apply gemstone colors effectively and permanently. Also, a metal upright could be topheavy and unbalanced easily.
In the end I chose to create the piece using a colorful porcelain enamel process over an enameled map image which included mountains, rivers and plains.
The finished artwork was to be free standing and displayed on a shelf indoors. The composition needed a base. I chose alabaster stone, both for counterbalancing weight and symbolism. Alabaster was used to create vessels to contain anointing oil. The people of Israel are God’s anointed.
The client and I collaborated extensively throughout the project to develop his vision. I used Winsor Fireform, an internationally known company, to produce the porcelain enamel image. We accomplished all his specifications.
