Canon of the Holy Ghost

This figure is one of a set of 50 dressed to represent the outfits worn by Catholic religious orders. They are made of tow (hemp) with wax heads, hands and feet. They were probably made in France, as they are labelled in French, but some of the orders represented were only active in Germany and the Netherlands.

This figure represents a Canon of the Holy Ghost. The Order of the Holy Ghost was founded by Guy de Montpellier in the early 13th century for the purpose of caring for the sick. The order ran a number of hospitals throughout Europe which were known as Hospitals of the Holy Ghost. The Canons of the order wore a black tunic with a white cotta and collar, a black biretta hat, and a violet stole with a blue Cross of Lorraine.