Ceremonial base cloth

The cloth, usually made of silk or velvet, was richly embroidered with allegorical motifs referring to the Eucharist. When there was no tabernacle, it was either placed on the altar steps or on the Altar itself, as a base for the monstrance that contained the Host consecrated for the adoration of the faithful. It could be circular, triangular or polygonal and was always between sixty and eighty centimetres wide. This ceremonial base cloth is six-sided and made of red velvet. In the centre is the crowned dove of the Holy Spirit, which has well-defined and imposing wings and tail, and is embroidered in relief with gold thread. A composition of branches, buds and flowers, also gold-embroidered, surrounds the central motif.