“Manipel”, First half of 13th Cen.

V&A Accession number 8588-1863 | link to item page @ V&A

Possible companion piece at V&A here

The maniple has been part of liturgical dress for Roman Catholic deacons, priests and higher clergy since the 9th century. It is worn hung over the left forearm and was probably carried as a formal sign of office. It echoes the shape and decoration of the longer stole which is usually worn around the neck.

A long narrow band, broadening at the ends to a trapezoid shape and finished with fringes, it usually has a device at each end. In this case, the beaded embroidery comprises a striking geometric pattern. Specifically religious references are evident in the small painted image of the Virgin and Child on the left end, and the wording woven into the strip that went round the neck.

On the far right and left is written: O SPES DIVINA VIA TUTA POTENS MEDICINA PORRIGE SUBSIDIUM MISERIS O SANTA MARIA PROTOGE SALVA BENEDIC SANCTIFICA

Closeups are from my visit to the V&A visit, read notes here.

Related Items:

13th Century: Halberstadt Mitre 13th Century: possible stole end 13th Century: Ciborium/Ziborium (Host Box) 13th Century: Orphrey, 1220-1224 13th Century: Halberstadt Antependium 13th Century: German Panels 13th Century: mantel 13th Century: Reliquary hanging 14th Century: stole 17th Century: Omophorion of Patriarch Hadrian. 1691 16th Century: Russian Mitre 15th Century: Kreuzlingen Mitre 13th Century: Halberstadt Antependium 13th Century: Cap, belt, cote, mantle, surcote and other fragments of Fernando de la Certa 15th Century: linen and silk with brakteats, likely a stole end?