Antique cilice from the late 19th or early 20th century for penitent.
From a French monastery (north of France) according to the person I bought it from. He had a collection and I bought several.
 
Cilices were designed to provoke pain or discomfort with their metal spikes against the flesh. They were normally used a couple of hours a day with a few exceptions. These tools of physical mortification helped to repent for sins, renounce temptation and feel closer to Christ.
 
This one is quite short and incomplete. The system for closure or ties are missing.
The length laid flat is between 22.2 and 21 cm / 8.66 and 8.26 inches (one end is not straight).
 
Width is approx. 4 cm / 1.57 inches at the widest part.
 
The shapes are irregular and the metal has rusted as seen in the photographs.
The pictures are part of the description.
 
Import duties and taxes are the buyer's responsibility.
 
Thanks for visiting Cabinet de Merveilles!
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