Baptismal Shell
Portugal
1601 <> 1610
Used as a pouring implement to administer water baptism, the sacrament that marks the beginning of an individual’s life as a Christian, baptismal shells usually take the shape of a scallop.
Pyriform-shaped, and with a handle, this baptism scallop shell is the only example with this morphology known on this island.
Ornamentation is minimal, with the inscriptions “F* ANTO* BITANCVRDACAMAYA, on the shell and “F*A*B*C*” on the handle (F. António Bettencourt Câmara?), perhaps the name of the donor or former owner.

MASF437
Embossed and chased silver
Dimensions: width: 11 cm height: 17,5 cm

Parish church of Campanário, Ribeira Brava
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