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Illustrations of a medieval 12th century girdle (left) and a 15th century girdle by Percy Anderson for English fashion writer Eliza Davis’ 1906 book Costume Fanciful, Historical and Theatrical. PUBLIC DOMAIN
Medieval girdle likely part of birthing ritual
Fri, 12 March 2021
A 15th century “birthing girdle”, inscribed with prayers and a well-thumbed crucifix image, was likely actively used in medieval childbirth, according to new research on one of the few such sashes not destroyed by time or religious revolutionaries.
With a delicate technique that uses the crumbs from plastic eraser rubbings, scientists were able to identify biological marks on the fragile sheepskin parchment.
The Straits Times
PublishedMar 10, 2021, 9:27 am SGT
https://str.sg/JjfE
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PARIS (AFP) - A 15th century birthing girdle , inscribed with prayers and a well-thumbed crucifix image, was likely actively used in medieval childbirth, according to new research on one of the few such sashes not destroyed by time or religious revolutionaries.
Images of 15th century sheepskin birthing girdles studied by Cambridge University researchers. The top-right image shows the hands and feet of Christ (i.e. the five wounds of Christ) dripping with blood. Below that, a very rubbed and faded green cross or crucifix. And to the right, a Tau cross with red heart and shield. (Images courtesy of Wellcome Collection via Courthouse News)
PARIS (AFP) A 15th century “birthing girdle,” inscribed with prayers and a well-thumbed crucifix image, was likely actively used in medieval childbirth, according to new research on one of the few such sashes not destroyed by time or religious revolutionaries.