Paternoster, 'Hoccleve Chaucer' (1430 - mm/w)

This paternoster is suitable for mid status portrayals of the period c. 1420 - c. 1440.

All of our prayer beads are based on extant originals or visual examples. This style is patterned after the paternoster held by Geoffrey Chaucer in Thomas Hoccleve’s ‘The Regiment of Princes’ (BL MS Royal 17D. VI. f. 93v, c. 1430-40)

Done in a 'memento mori' style, this paternoster is made off white bone beads, dark wood skull gauds, wood ring, and red, off white or black cord and tassel.  

'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 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.