Morada Whip, 19th Century, New Mexico Spanish

New Mexico

19th Century | Yucca | Item 1625

This is a rare whip used as an implement for the entire Morada. The Morada is the center of activities (like a church) for a group of penitentes. Flagellation (whipping or flogging) was a part of life in the Morada, either self inflicted or administered by one person to another. In this case, this whip might of been used to disciple a member by the head of the group in front of the others. This sort to “group” whip is made differently from the personal whip used by oneself for oneself. For an example of a personal whip, link here to item #1568. This whip has the potential of making a more serious strike than the personal whip. This whip is made of fine yucca fibers twisted tightly together to almost appear like hide. The weave used to create the whip is striking. The whip begins with a loop at the top about 1″ in length. The widest portion to be held in the hand has a herring bone pattern and this last for about 10″. From here the weave turns to a square, cross-sectional shape in the same herring bone pattern for 5″. At this point, the whip divides into 6 straps woven as a spiral and ending with a larger scale knot. The knot is what creates the biggest strike from using the whip.

To learn more about Moradas and Penitentes, click here.