PENITENT'S CAPIROTE OF THE ORDER OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE

Spanish penitent’s capirote, known as Nazarene, bearing the insignia of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.

Used condition, some stains and small tears

PERIOD: First half of the 20th century
DIMENSIONS: 110 cm x 62 cm
SIZE: 44" x 25"

The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem is a Roman Catholic order of chivalry that dates back to the Middle Ages. Its origins trace to the 11th century, when the Crusaders captured Jerusalem in 1099. The order was established to defend the Holy Sepulchre, the site where, according to Christian tradition, Jesus Christ was buried and rose from the dead.
The Order of the Holy Sepulchre was officially recognized by Pope Paschal II in 1113. It was founded to protect the Christian holy places and to assist Christian pilgrims in the Holy Land. Over the centuries, the order evolved and was reorganized several times.

Historically, the capirote was used by flagellants starting in the Middle Ages. It also appeared during death sentences pronounced by the Inquisition, where the condemned were forced to wear the cap as a form of public humiliation. This act of humiliation was meant to echo that of Jesus Christ on the way to Golgotha.
The outfit was also used by flagellants who, as their name suggests, inflicted punishments upon themselves to atone for their sins, with flagellation being one of the main self-imposed penances. The face was hidden, allowing anonymity.
From the 17th century onward, the brotherhoods of Seville began using the capirote during Holy Week processions, in commemoration of the Passion of Christ, the remission of human sins, and His subsequent resurrection.