Death's Vessel

Perhaps some of the most interesting pieces displayed at the ossuary are two monstrances that flank the altar and the statue of a crucified Jesus at the back of the room.

The word "Monstrance" originated from the Latin “monstrare”, meaning “to show.” Monstrances are historically defined as liturgical vessels or chalices that display the Host, the Eucharist, or communion wafer during the sacrament, and typically have an elaborate design including a defined round center, with details representing a sunburst extending outward from it.

As with everything inside the Sedlec Ossuary, these are not your usual monstrances. They are built entirely out of bones, in an extremely ornate design having a skull in the middle, surrounded with femurs, sacrum, vertebrae, and other bones that are arranged in beautiful symmetry. Note how the smaller sized bones alternate on each side of the femurs to make the traditional monstrance sunburst pattern.

The ornate design continues down to the base, using mandibles, pelvic bones, sacrums, and other assorted bones, all attached to a wooden support structure. This elaborate pedestal ends in two arms extending to the sides, topped with two skulls and candleholders to create a morbid candelabra.

Each of the monstrances are set in their own niche, which is hand painted to resemble a grey marble, with additional contrasting painted accents of red marble flanking it. The incredible skill and artistry is appreciated from every angle. And it's impressive that such delicate structures have survived over the centuries so well, while the walls crumble and fall apart around them.

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