A rare ‘instrument de pénitence’ in the from of a metalic wire band with barbed hooks. Discovered in a french nunnery dating to the 19th century. A cilice would be worn against the skin or sewn into a garment as an act of contrition so the wearer would constantly suffer the pain of it’s barbs as a reminder of the pain of Christ. This example was likely created for the wrist or ankle.
9 inches long
