Some of my Woodcarving re-visted after 2 years....

This woodcarving was my first 3d woodcarving, worked onto a live tree!

It portrays a style frequently seen in churches and cathedrals around Europe, but a image that has been seen from other cultures around the world!
There are many different interpretations about the Green man(or woman, sometimes!) The most popular is that he/she represents a lost and diminishing doctrine about the understanding of the nature of Earth and all its bounty. That is why the majority of the images come from the period when Christanity was taking over a long standing Pagan style religion in Europe.
The images are often found hideing in receses and atop high ceilings in Christian buildings. Most of the buildings that they are found in, replaced even earlier Pagan temples of worship!
It isnt really understood why most of the images have vegetation vomiting out of orifices, noses, mouths eyes and ears. But some say it is representing the natural being that is within us all!