Three-dimensional ecclesiastical imagery is not the norm in Russian Orthodoxy. In pre-Christian Russia there were many Pagan images that were carved and worshiped, therefore statues and the like were seen as too closely related to pagan images and were officially shunned. Nevertheless certain carved images were quite popular. They include Saint Nicholas of Mozhaisk, Saint Paraskeva, Saint George, and the head of John the Forerunner. Images of St. John’s head were usually positioned near large icons of the Saint when displayed in a church or chapel. It was not uncommon for regional religious leaders such as bishops to visit a church displaying statues and order them destroyed, thereby making three-dimensional carved figures such as this example somewhat scarce today.
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