Paternoster, 'Magdalene' (1435-mm)

This style suitable for mid and higher status portrayals c. 1430-1450. All of our prayer beads are based on extant originals or visual examples. This group is patterned after the paternoster held by St. Joseph in “The Magdalene Reading’, by Rogier van der Weyden, c. 1435–38, (The National Gallery, London)

Done in the 'memento mori' style, this group is made entirely of bone beads. The gauds are carved into the shape of skulls. Available with red, off white or black cord and tassels as shown.

'Memento mori' is a Latin phrase meaning "remember that you have to die". Reflecting on mortality and the transient nature of earthly goods and pursuits was an important part of medieval religious practice, and prayer beads made of bone, skulls and blood red were a constant and literal reminder that “you could leave life right now”. Memento mori objects were popular across all levels of society during the 14th - 17th C.Paternoster comes with storage bag and information about religion and the use of prayer beads in medieval Europe. Sheet also contains the Pater Noster and Ave Maria prayers in Latin. 

For more general information on our prayer beads, please see the main section page as well as General Information

PLEASE NOTE: These are individually hand made by Gwen. As with all handmade items there may be slight variations due to the nature of the materials used.