New York and Pennsylvania: The Restoration
Jonathan Whitney (1956– )
- Medium
United States
ca. 2009
Hardwoods, metal, calfskin, nylon, inlaysUnited States
"This is from a series of banjos commemorating episodes of Latter-day Saint Church history. The sun motif on the peg head represents renewed revelation, commencing with Joseph Smith’s First Vision. The trump on the upper portion of the neck represents the ministration of angels, such as Moroni, in restoring the gospel. Two inlays represent the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. The rim features an inlay of waves, representing the Susquehanna River near where the priesthood was restored. The tailpiece features six goblets, representing the organization of the Church, which was accompanied by administration of the sacrament to the six original members. The banjo is left somewhat rough-hewn, representing the formative nature of the Church in this early period. I used only tools and techniques that were available and in use during the represented time period."