Processional Staff Head – Inri Banner Inscription – Jesus King Of The Jews – Sculpture

France, second half of the 19th century. Carved wooden processional staff head bearing the inscription INRI, made in the 19th century. This liturgical item was intended to be fixed to the top of a processional pole, now missing, and used during religious ceremonies and parish processions. The piece consists of a carved horizontal cartouche with scroll-shaped ends, reminiscent of a phylactery. The inscription INRI, painted in black letters on a light background, remains legible despite wear. The cartouche is mounted on a vertical wooden post, which retains traces of old, dark paint, worn by time and handling. The acronym INRI corresponds to the Latin phrase Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum, meaning "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews." This inscription, placed according to the Gospels at the top of the cross during the Crucifixion, has become a major symbol of the Passion of Christ. In the context of processions, it explicitly recalled the sacrificial and redemptive dimension of the figure of Christ. The reverse of the cartouche reveals the wood, tool marks, and old finishes, attesting to artisanal or semi-artisanal production. The piece shows uniform wear, consistent with prolonged liturgical use. This processional staff head illustrates the popular piety of the 19th century, where liturgical objects, designed to be seen from afar, prioritized legibility, symbolism, and solidity over any superfluous ornamentation. Dimensions: Height: 78 cm. Shipping: Deliveries are made exclusively by DHL Express, guaranteeing fast and secure shipping.