15th century Spanish bread mold displaying an archbishop's coat of arms with a galero hat, ten tassels and a two-barred cross. Additionally, an heraldic crest of the House of Mendoza (poss. Pedro González (1428-95)) and an image of the Virgin and Child. The reverse shows a large crowned rampant lion.

19.5 x 16 x 3 cm

This carved fruit wood mold would have been used for Eulogia (blessed) bread. As an early Christian tradition, local churches would stamp images and inscriptions into loaves of bread. When dispersed among the congregation, it helped remind people of the power of religious beliefs and the generosity of wealthy rulers. Sim. re: Museu Nacional de Arqueologia, Lisboa, Portugal.