ANCIENT CILICE

This iron cilice, from an ancient monastery in northern Spain, bears witness to the ascetic practices adopted by certain monastic orders to strengthen their spiritual commitment. Designed as a penitential belt, it is composed of interwoven metal links, forming a flexible yet robust structure.

What particularly distinguishes it are the sharp, inward-facing hooks, designed to exert constant pressure on the skin. Encircling the waist, thigh, or arm, this device caused continuous discomfort, reminding the wearer of Christ's sacrifice with every movement. The visible wear of the metal, marked by time and oxidation, suggests prolonged use, likely passed down through generations within the monastery.

Handcrafted, this cilice reflects the austerity of a faith in which physical suffering was seen as a means of spiritual elevation. It was not intended for display but to silently accompany prayer and meditation, reinforcing the bodily discipline and humility of the monk who wore it.

Today, this object remains a poignant testimony to the rites of bodily mortification that have spanned the centuries, embodying an era when faith was expressed through self-denial and the renunciation of earthly pleasures.

PERIOD : 19th century
DIMENSIONS : 38 cm
SIZE : 15"

A copy of a cilice from the same period is held by the Louvre Museum in Paris, see here

The cilice, a voluntary instrument of bodily mortification, was widely adopted in various Christian communities as a means of spiritual discipline. It was intended to combat temptations while cultivating an identification with the sufferings of Jesus Christ during His Passion and the spiritual rewards that resulted from it.

                                                                                             Learn more about the cilice