Words from the Cross: The Speaking Crucifixes and the Passion of the Franciscan Friars

Carla Maria Bino*

*Corresponding author

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

The article investigates the ritual and performative context in which the so-called ‘speaking’ crucifixes (wooden statues of the crucified Christ with a movable tongue) could historically belong. In the first part of the paper, I draw a brief outline of historical-critical studies on the use of animated sculptures in mediaeval ritual practices, focusing on the type under consideration. In the second part, I will formulate a hypothesis about using this specific sculpture in the Good Friday ceremonies celebrated by the Franciscan Order, particularly by the Observants, during the second half of the 14th century in Italy.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCommunicating the Passion: The Socio-Religious Function of an Emotional Narrative (1250–1530)
EditorsP Delcorno, H Johnson
Pages269-287
Number of pages19
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024

Keywords

  • Franciscan Friars
  • animated statues of the crucified Christ
  • dramatic ceremonies
  • medieval drama

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