Medal with benditera; Ruiz silversmith, Santiago de Compostela, 20th century.
Silver in its colour, cast and engraved.
It is in a good state of preservation.
Measurements: 11 x 6,6 x 2,5 cm.
Benditera made in silver with stamp on the back of the Ruiz silverware. The piece made in the 20th century has a design inspired by antique models. The lower part, which simulates the baptismal font, has a ribbed finish, while the upper part has a more ornamental finish with delicate silverwork consisting of an openwork structure of plant elements framing a medallion in which the figure of Santiago at the Battle of Clavijo is represented in relief. He is depicted in a dynamic manner, mounted on horseback at the precious moment when he is about to strike his downed opponent. The Battle of Clavijo is a battle, now considered mythical, which for a long time was regarded as one of the main battles of the Reconquest. It would have taken place in the Campo de la Matanza, near Clavijo (La Rioja), in the year 844, with King Ramiro I. According to legend, the Apostle Saint James would have physically participated in it, and would have justified the "Vow of Saint James" (a commitment made by the Christians of the kingdoms of Asturias, Galicia, León and Castile for the victory in this battle). James of Zebedee or Jacob of Zebedee, also known as James the Greater, was one of the Twelve Apostles. Patron saint of Spain, his mortal remains are said to be in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, found around 813.
The benditeras are utensils that contain a container with holy water and are used to make the sign of the cross or to make the sign of the cross. They are a domestic version of the holy water basins found at the entrance to churches, evoking the water fountains traditionally found in the surroundings or inside religious and magical places. In popular domestic use, they are usually placed by the front door or in bedrooms and are used by their owners to make themselves holy when they go to bed or get up. They can be defined as small plates or slabs, usually oval, on which various motifs have been carved or moulded, and which are decorated overall. Their lower front part includes a shallow receptacle for holding holy water.