[Woodcarver] fat shepherd?

[Victor Hamburger]

Ivan Whillock Studio wrote:
> 
> Joe said, I've got the block of basswood
> > glued, my ball of clay ready to go and using photos of myself (which are
> > really in the ROUND) for the model. One fat shepherd coming up.
> >
> 
> Joe, speaking from experience it's easier to slim  down the wood than it is
> the flesh!
> Ivan Whillock Studio

Joe,

Historically, being a shepherd in the time of Jesus' birth meant that you were
at the bottom of the social structure.  Shepherds are very symbolic, as are the
three Wise Men/Kings as both represent the far ends of the spectrum of society
that came to recognise, acknowledge and worship the new born Savior.   With that
background, I would tend to think of the shepherds as being under nourished,
thin, hard-working and definately not round! LOL!  The kings would be a
different story perhaps, being used to the good life and luxury such as it was
in those days. 

Vic