Casket for storing hosts
France, Savoie, Tarentaise, Bellentre, Valezan
19th century
Wood, iron
Georges Amoudruz collection acquired in 1976
MEG Inv. ETHEU 100185
Geolocate the object
For Roman Catholics, since the twelfth century, the Communion bread or host has been an unleavened wafer symbolising the body of Christ and shared during Mass. This box was used to hold the Eucharistic wafers and was pillaged during the French Revolution. These boxes came into common use in the fourth century and continued to be used after the sixteenth century, although the Counterreformation tried to impose the use of the tabernacle.
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Welcoming and sharing
In rural communities, hospitality is a right and a duty. Social interaction through sharing food and drink follows well-established rituals. This highly codified way of being together, regarded as a sign of civilisation, ensures respect and formality in the relationship between the people gathered around the table.
Marks of consecration
Bread and pancakes have graced European tables since the Middle Ages. A staple food and Christian symbol, bread is doubly precious. Growing cereals is such arduous work in an alpine climate that, during bread making, the dough was protected by religious symbols. Once in the community oven, identity marks were imprinted on the loaves.
Bibliograpy
- Gros, Christophe. 1997. Faire don d'une clôture intime. Genève : Musée de la ville de Carouge, catalogue de l'exposition, MEG Carl-Vogt,
