Beautifully embroidered religious collar or closed stole with a pelican (a symbol of Jesus’ sacrifice for humanity), crown of thorns, cross, leaves, flowers – the ouroboros, a snake swallowing its tail symbolizing death and rebirth – all rich in handiwork and meaning. Reverse features three crosses and the maker’s label. Year of creation is hard to guess at – perhaps the early 1900’s based on the quality and manner of embroidery. CONDITION : small loss of what appears to be black taffeta on the reverse, rubbing of threads on the front, particularly around the “V” shape.