58 BULLETIN 148, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM 



and the words Na. Sa. del Carmen, our Lady of Carmen (? Carmel). 

 Italy. (Cat. No. 179074, U.S.N.M.) 



241 . Scapular. — Consisting of two pieces of cotton cloth, measuring 

 2K by 2 inches, one of which is stamped on one side with the figure 

 of Christ with a burning heart; on the other, with the figure of a saint 

 and an ostensory. The other is stamped on one side with the figure 

 of Mary with a burning heart; on the other, with the figure of a 

 female saint. Manila, Philippine Islands. (Cat. No. 216990, 

 U.S.N.M.) 



242. Scapular (part of). — Stamped with the figures of Christ, 

 Mary and saints, and sacred hearts. Italy (?). (Cat. No. 311841, 

 U.S.N.M.) Bequest of Miss Elizabeth S. Stevens. 



243. Agnus Dei. — On a cream-colored silk ground. Representing 

 in the center a lamb (compare John i, 29) bearing a cross and a banner, 

 with a border of foliage and flowers on silver and gold appliqu^. 

 AVi inches square. Washington, D. C. (Cat. No. 311432, U.S.N.M.) 

 Presented by the executors from the estate of Mrs. Mary E. Pmchot. 



MISCELLANEOUS 



244. Fish. — Made of metal. On one side is a Greek cross, on the 

 other the Christ monogram ^ in relief, with a chain for suspension. 

 The form of a fish was a favorite symbol on the early Christian 

 monuments, alluding to the waters of baptism; also because the 

 initial letters of the Greek word for fish contained the confession 

 "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour." Length, 9 inches. Italy. 

 (Cat. No. 179010, U.S.N.M.) 



245. Olive palm. — Palm leaf combined with an olive branch. In 

 some churches in Italy it is blessed by the priest on Palm Sunday 

 and sold at the church door. Protective properties are attributed to 

 it, and it is kept over the bed till the following year. This specimen 

 was blessed at the Santa Felicita Church in Florence, in 1892. Length 

 2 feet 5 inches. Florence, Italy. (Cat. No. 179076, U.S.N.M.) 



246. Certificate of indulgence. — Manuscript written on vellum. 

 Granted by Pope Alexander VIII (1689-1691), on March 20, 1690, to 

 the Church of the Fraternity of Holy Intercession, in Siena, Italy. 

 Indulgences are granted by the Roman Catholic Church for the re- 

 mission of the temporal punishment due to sin, after the removal of 

 guilt and eternal punishment of sin in the sacrament of penance, and 

 which must be discharged either in this life or after death in purgatory. 

 The recipient must be in a state of grace, and has to perform certain 

 good works, as giving of alms, fasting, attending mass, making 

 pilgrimages, etc. By wa}^ of intercession, indulgences may be applied 

 by the recipient to shorten the sufferings of souls in purgatory. 

 Measurements, 15K by 5K inches. Siena, Italy. (Cat. No. 214723, 

 U.S.N.M.) 



