22.09.21
To begin my project
I've began to look at historical objects and the importance of them within
different traditions and cultures with a particular interest but not an
exclusive interest in spiritually charged objects. I started with the
Cilice as it's something that has stuck with me from watching the film
'The Da Vinci Code' as it is worn by the monk antagonists 'Silas' as his form of repentance. I
plan on starting with creating my own version of the Cilice with
reference to historical examples and using some of my knowledge of
material practises to help me engage with and have fun with what I am making.
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| Parish Church of West Calder Sackcloth - 18th Century |
A Cilice also known as a sackcloth was originally a garment or undergarment made of coarse cloth or animal hair (a hairshirt) worn close to the skin to cause irritation. Other features were also added to make the cilice more uncomfortable like thin wire or twigs. It is used by members of various Christian traditions as a self-imposed means of repentance and mortification of the flesh as well as in biblical times being a Jewish custom to wear a hairshirt in times of mourning. There is evidence the cilice predates written history and was a representation of cleansing and lightness. Although popular depictions of the cilice show drawn blood and a lot of pain in reality they cause a very low level of discomfort comparable to fasting as if it caused any harm the church would not allow it.
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| Modern Day Opus Dei Cilice |