Xi'an (CNS) -- There are two statues standing on the campus of the Modern College of Northwest University, which the college claims are artistic creations depicting the Greek goddess Athena and Chinese Nüwa. However, they share the same face.
The two patron saints, so described by the plaques, actually "borrowed" the face of a college board member, who in reality was the saint who brought financial salvation to the fund-strapped college.
The two distinctive, refaced statues encircle the college library along with 28 other sculptures that feature ancient Chinese emperors and other historical figures, as well as Chinese and foreign celebrities.
Public criticism was vehement against what is viewed as the mammonish impulse behind a shameful blasphemy of mythology. The college was compelled to remove the plaques which were meant to flatter the board member.
