This antique wooden plaque contains the head of Saint John. It was carved entirely by hand.
It symbolizes the beheading of John the Baptist.
The sign is very old and dates from before 1700.
A rare example!
Diameter: 12 cm
Thickness: 4 cm
If you're interested:
John the Baptist was a popular prophet among the people. He lived in the desert and wore animal skins. John was Jesus' teacher, baptized him and warned of the final judgment. On August 29, the Catholic Church commemorates his violent death. Johannes was murdered thanks to a 'femme fatale'….
King Herod had John the Baptist imprisoned because John criticized his marriage to Herodias, his brother's wife. During a great feast, Herod made Salome, the daughter of Herodias, dance for his guests. Her dance was well liked, so Herod offered to give her whatever she wanted. She consulted her mother for a moment and said, "I want you to give me the head of John the Baptist on a platter right now." Herod was now faced with the dilemma. He actually did not want to kill John for fear of the people, who saw him as a holy prophet. But on the other hand, he did not want to go off in front of his guests, so he ordered John to be killed. The head of John the Baptist was brought in on a platter and given to Salome and Herodias.