When history meets religion | Art and History of Counting Prayers

We may take rosary beads for granted as part of Maltese cultural life, but new exhibition currently on display at Palazzo de Piro in Mdina hopes to shed light on their rich history. The Art and History of Counting Prayers, on show until October 31, shows off some historical gems that were just waiting to be discovered in Malta.

According to the exhibition's curator Susan Waitt, the idea of having an exhibition of

counting prayers was accepted by the Metropolitan Chapter and the two committees helping with activities for Palazzo de Piro.

After the exhibition was greenlit, preliminary research unveiled a few unexpected treasures.

"From ancient times we had, and still have, Rosary confraternities with great traditions and responsibilities. For example, in Valletta the members were responsible for the looking after of the spiritual needs of those condemned to death; and, after an execution the members would take over completely, first taking the corpse down from the gibbet and then organising the burial," Waitt said, adding that the process of putting the exhibition together was helped along by "some private collectors who were willing to lend beautiful items".

"Among the curiosities, we have Tibetan prayer beads made from human bones. We have the original plaque depicting Our Lady of the Rosary which was the last thing you would see as it was put up before your face before execution," Waitt said, also listing a grand golden rosary with six decades (rather than the usual five), and another stunning coral piece dating back to the period of the knights as two highlights from the exhibition.

"Most of us who have seen this particular aspect of Maltese history and culture displayed in such a way, will emerge from the exhibition thrilled. The exhibition is particularly exciting, as it is rich in unexplored creativity. Art students will be able to see what a vast subject is being dealt with. There is scope to discover a great deal more. Malta's patrimony seems to be inexhaustible," Waitt said.

The exhibition will run until October 31. Opening hours are between 10:00 and 17:00. For more information log on to http://www.palazzodepiro.com/.