Ex Voto Breast Plate
Ex Voto Breast Plate
Ex Voto Breast Plate.
The Ex Voto Breasts. I made this anatomical amulet in the summer of 2020, when my MArts History Project started off as a study of anatomical amulets, before I decided to focus in and make a series of seven hands. This piece was inspired by an array of breast plate votives which have been created from millennia. They were especially abundant in the ancient Mediterranean.
Details:
A pendant / amulet.
Hand crafted from golden brass and recycled sterling silver.
A big bale (loop) is at the top, so that you can thread this amulet onto a chain.
Add to an existing chain, source a second-hand piece or find mine in the shop.
About 2.5cm by 3cm in size.
In Christian tradition Ex Votos were given as offerings to the saints or the divine, and this particular symbol appears across centuries of religious art. This custom of gift-giving to saints, deities, or spirits can be traced back millennia to Mesopotamia and Egypt in the ancient near-east. The tradition continued into pagan Rome and then into early Christianity, blossoming in the medieval period. In modern day Mexico flaming hearts are still commonly worn and used as religious lucky charms called Milagros.
This little token has been carved from a solid piece of jewellers wax, and then carefully detailed with tiny tools and heat from a candle. It has then been cast into metal using the age-old method of lost-wax casting.
This design has been informed by museum collections, antiques, religious art paintings and sculptures, as well as several online archives.
Care:
Brass will naturally oxidise and darken . To keep it shiny and bright, use the polishing cloth included in your order, and read the care card enclosed, for more tips and tricks.
Ready-to-Ship:
These pieces are cast and polished - all ready to go! Please allow us up to 10 days for dispatch. They’ll arrive to UK addresses in plenty of time for Christmas. :)
