While looking for images of the building materials of the 1st century, I came across the following images that spoke to me.
I like the size and texture of these stone blocks. They would work in the two large columns that flank each side of the stage. These columns will be twelve feet high and three or four feet thick, with staggered sandstone blocks. These will be textured through a treatment using both paint and sawdust to give them a rough finish that will catch the light nicely. More to come on the columns later...
This painting shows Jesus with his earthly father Joseph doing carpentry. I like this image for the wood in it, both the wood they are working and the natural piece of wood holding up the overhanging roof.
This image is a good one to see the smaller size blocks used in construction of houses. Probably not right for the palace and high priests' locations, but would work along the front of the stage. Perhaps in showing the progression of masonry and carpentry from the front of the stage to the back will mirror the power of the people versus that of the authorities.
