A ceremonial instrument used by the battenti (penitents) during the septennial rites in Guardia Sanframondi, symbolizing penance and devotion.
Acquired: Guardia Sanframondi, Italy, August 25, 2024
Material: Cork, needles, wax coating
Religion: Catholic
Uses:
• Central to the self-flagellation rituals of the battenti during the septennial rites.
• Symbol of personal penance and communal faith.
• Rare cultural artifact reflecting Italian Catholic traditions.
Description:
This spugna is a circular cork pad embedded with approximately 33 needles, used by penitents to strike their chests as an act of penance. The design is highly specific: the needles protrude roughly two millimeters from the cork, and the base is coated in wax for durability and ease of handling.
During the procession, the spugna is moistened with white wine to cleanse the resulting wounds and reduce the risk of infection. This ritualistic practice, deeply rooted in Catholic tradition, reflects themes of sacrifice, redemption, and communal spirituality.
Collected during the septennial rites in 2024, this spugna is both a sacred object and a unique artifact of Italian religious culture. It serves as a tangible representation of the enduring legacy of penitential traditions in Guardia Sanframondi.
