Altar Item Number: 2956/195 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Registo with a colour image of 'Maria di Nazareth', attached to a yellow fabric covered panel, surrounded by metallic gold trim decoration along with white and green flowers. Metallic gold and beige trim and decorations along the edges. Large satin green bow on top and a beige fabric loop with a small gold-coloured metal triangular hook. Glass on front; fabric with floral and stripe design at back.

History Of Use

From Nazaré. Registos, elaborately decorated images of saints, are made throughout Portugal and used as household shrines and decorations. They attained their greatest popularity in the 18th century, after the increased production and circulation of engraved images throughout Europe. Registos were sometimes given by the Church and lay brotherhoods to congregations and pilgrims on special saints days as mementos in appreciation of their offerings. Many were later used as bookmarks for Bibles and prayer books or, in the case of small prints, were attached to a pilgrim’s hat or clothes and valued as religious souvenirs. More elaborate images, framed and decorated with rare and luxurious materials made by nuns, were purchased and displayed in richer households.