Embroidered vestments: findings in the Terceira Island (Azores)

Abstract

A set of vestments with embroidered orphreys applied on velvet fabric, belonging to the Church of the College of Angra do Heroismo (Terceira Island, Azores), have been attributed, by 19th-century studies, to an English origin and unknown date, but prior to the 16th century. Another set found in a rural church of the island (Ribeirinha), comprises a chasuble and a stole, with embroidered orphreys as well. The origins of this set and its incorporation into the assets of the parish remain uncertain. This article attempts to deepen the knowledge about the presence of these liturgical textiles in the Azores along with their date and place of production and it aims to reconstruct the process of their recognition and consolidation as cultural heritage objects.