Penitent's belt, Europe, 1401-1700

Made:
1401-1700 in Europe
Penitent's belt, steel with leather straps, probably Italian Penitent's belt, steel with leather straps, probably Italian

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Penitent's belt, steel with leather straps, probably Italian
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Penitent's belt, steel with leather straps, probably Italian
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Penitent's belt, steel with leather straps, probably Italian, 1401-1700

The metal teeth attached to this leather belt are worn around the thigh as a type of penance. Penance in the form of prayers is carried out by some Christians in the hope of being forgiven for their sins. Christian belief during 1501-1800 taught that illness and disease were the result of sin. Penance was carried out by fasting and, in some cases, by inflicting physical harm on one’s self.

At the time of the Black Death – and during later outbreaks of plague – groups of fanatical penitents would travel from town to town, beating themselves, wearing such spiked devices and flagellating their skin. These deeds were presented as acts of repentance for the world’s sins – the penitents believed God was punishing these sins by means of the plague.

Details

Category:
Ethnography and Folk Medicine
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A135381
Materials:
steel and leather
Measurements:
overall: 10 mm x 915 mm x 65 mm, 300 mm, .41kg
type:
belt
credit:
Albizzi, A.D.