The Keiskamma triptych, a renowned altarpiece created by the people of Hamburg, South Africa, is on exhibit at Washington National Cathedral until mid-March. Using a medieval altarpiece as inspiration, they created a three-part display depicting the effects of HIV in their communities. The themes are Crucifixion showing the mourners and orphans; Resurrection showing hope, redemption and restoration; and Reality showing grandmothers caring for orphaned grandchildren. In the predella below are scenes showing the progression of AIDS through sickness, death, and funeral.

This is not a small triptych. The images in the Reality section are life-size. The fantastic stitchery was done by 130 people working in teams and required seven months of focused work.

For more information on the triptych exhibit, go to www.keiskamma.org.