EARLY CARVED WOODEN SKULL: Former collection of Benedictine monk, 3 3/4'' h. x 4 1/2''d. x 3 1/2''w. Exceptional proportion and patina, gifted in 1973 to current owner. Purportedly older than 18th C. The following is a description and explanation provided by the consignor: Intricately hand carved wooden skull. Used for meditation upon death by Benedictine Monks in Europe. Dating from 17th century, Italy, according to the priest-monk, Italian, Benedictine who previously owned this highly detailed lifelike carved wooden sculpture. It was given as a gift to me when I (Father Andrew John Winchek) was a seminarian living in Rome from 1971 to 1982. I received three advance degrees, magnum cum laude, at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas, also known as the Angelicum, in central Rome, Italy. There I specialized in theology and spirituality. Presently I am a retired missionary with tropical illnesses, having served the poorest of the poor in Southeast Asia for four decades. I was deeply honored to have had Blessed Mother Teresa as a spiritual mentor while in Rome. Then after my ordination she blessed me by inviting me to be one of her retreat directors and spiritual guides. I personally used this skull as a meditation upon the reality of death. It has been in my possession for over forty years (from 1972). I am auctioning this antique to raise funds for the projects I began and continue to support over the many years in North Eastern Thailand. This wooden skull can also serve as an artist's still life prop. Sincerely, Reverend Andrew John Winchek
CONDITION: Several areas of patina wear, several stress cracks