An ornamental water vessel or ewer used in medieval and Renaissance churches for ritual hand-washing during religious ceremonies.
From Latin 'aqua' (water) and 'manalis' (relating to hands, from 'manus'). The term comes from the Latin phrase 'aqua manalis,' used in church contexts to describe water specifically for ceremonial hand ablutions.
Medieval priests used these beautiful vessels in an ancient ritual called lavabo, where they'd wash their hands before handling the Eucharist—these objects are now treasured museum pieces that blend practical ceremony with stunning metalwork artistry.
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