Silver Porta Paz Ornament, Mexico, Circa 1820

Mexico City, Mexico

First quarter 19th Century | Item 2080

This intricately designed and executed ornament is called a Porta Paz, translates to Brings Peace. This sacred object would be held in the priest’s hand and presented to the congregation to be kissed during the subjects Saint’s Feast Day. An object like this may have come about in part during pandemics to separate the adoration of kissing from direct contact with the clergy.

The silver work is fanciful and tells a story that I can only interpret so far. The lamb with the sword likely represents Christ and his sacrifice for our sins. The lamb has a simple, unaffected expression on its face. The body is intricately done to show the hanging fleece. The lamb appears to be on some sort of alter with complicated details. This might represent the Arc of the Covenant? I imagine that the triangle in the background represents the trilogy, or the Father, Son and the Holy Ghost. The heart shaped flower at the lower end is likely a Bleeding Heart flower, and could represent all sorts of deep meanings such as love and affection, heartbreak and sorrow, and compassion and empathy. The bleeding heart is a popular symbol with Spanish Colonial devotional art.

The weight in silver is 161 grams

Objects like these that have been so important for so many people over such a long period of time hold a special significance. It’s like they are holders for the spirit and hope of human love. They are a testament to our existence.