
My 200 year old cilice
It’s in my catalog it’s from a monastery in Spain
It bears witness to the ascetic practices adopted by certain monastic orders to strengthen their spiritual commitment., it is composed of interwoven metal links, that are that 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