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February 12, 2015

Prayer Nuts

prayernut9rijksmuseum.jpg
16th Century 'Prayer Nuts' Hide Miniature Carvings If you were wealthy and devout in 16th century Europe, one of the ultimate possessions was a prayer nut.
These tiny wooden spheres were intricately carved boxes filled with religious scenes like the Crucifixion. Worn around the neck attached to a rosary or on the owners belt, it has been theorized that the outer carvings were inserted with aromatic plants and oils to add to the experience of owning one.
prayernut1AlbertKunsthistorischesMuseum.jpg

Posted by gerardvanderleun at February 12, 2015 10:31 AM. This is an entry on the sideblog of American Digest: Check it out.

Your Say

Jeez, and it was all done WITHOUT a Dremel.
Talk about dedication.....as much time was spent with the honing stone as there was in the carving.

Posted by: ghostsniper [TypeKey Profile Page] at February 12, 2015 2:21 PM

I defy you to find someone - anyone - who could accomplish the same feat even with modern implements.

Posted by: Darkwater [TypeKey Profile Page] at February 13, 2015 12:14 PM

There are hundreds, maybe thousands, that do all of that and more. Because they want to. You will not hear of them except by chance.

Posted by: ghostsniper [TypeKey Profile Page] at February 14, 2015 12:49 PM

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