Dominican Friar

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 Dominican friar. Founded in the early 1200s by St. Dominic (1170-1221) the order is still going strong today. They focus on charitable works and education. Unlike monks, who live in a closed, self-sufficient community, friars commit themselves in service to the wider community. The Domincan habit is a white tunic and scapular, over which is worn a black cloak and short black hooded cape. The colour of the cape has led to the Dominicans being popularly known as Black Friars.