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 language | English |
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Title of host publication | Communicating the Passion: The Socio-Religious Function of an Emotional Narrative (1250–1530) |
Editors | P Delcorno, H Johnson |
Pages | 269-287 |
Number of pages | 19 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2024 |
Keywords
- Franciscan Friars
- animated statues of the crucified Christ
- dramatic ceremonies
- medieval drama