Ceremonial Hammer for the Verification of the Death of a Pope

Artist: Unknown

Date: Mid 20th century

Classification: Liturgical Objects

Dimensions: 22 x 9 x 2 cm

Materials: Ebony, Gilded Silver

Adopted By: The Minnesota & North Dakota Chapter

Description

This ceremonial hammer was used to tap a recently deceased pope on the forehead calling him by his Christian name. If there was no answer to the third call, the pope was declared dead. This ritual is said to have been used for the last time for Blessed Pope John XXIII.

This example dates back to the mid 20th century. It is made of ebony and gilded silver. It measures 22 x 9 x 2 cm.

Detail

Artist: Unknown

Date: Mid 20th century

Dimensions: 22 x 9 x 2 cm

Materials: Ebony, Gilded Silver

Department:

Decorative Arts

Laboratories:

Metals & Ceramics

Wishbook year: 2002

Liturgical Objects
Unknown
Mid 20th century
Ebony
Gilded Silver
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Ceremonial Hammer for the Verification of the Death of a Pope

Details

Adopted by: The Minnesota & North Dakota Chapter

Artist: Unknown

Date: Mid 20th century

Classification: Liturgical Objects

Materials: Ebony, Gilded Silver

Dimensions: 22 x 9 x 2 cm

Department: Decorative Arts

Laboratory: Metals & Ceramics

Wishbook year: 2002

Description

This ceremonial hammer was used to tap a recently deceased pope on the forehead calling him by his Christian name. If there was no answer to the third call, the pope was declared dead. This ritual is said to have been used for the last time for Blessed Pope John XXIII.

This example dates back to the mid 20th century. It is made of ebony and gilded silver. It measures 22 x 9 x 2 cm.