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A 17TH CENTURY OATH SKULL FROM THE VEHMIC COURTS browse these categories for related items... All Items: Antiques: Regional Art: Ancient World: European Medieval: Pre 1700: item # 727000 Please refer to our stock # 08-01 when inquiring.
Faganarms Inc. 22952 E. 15 mile Rd. Clinton Township, MI 48035 586-465-4637 Guest Book $3750 |
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As Europe emerged from the Dark Ages, feudalism led to local warfare and a breakdown of law. Outlaws ravaged innocent citizens and the Holy Roman Emperors were unable to control crime at the local level. In Westphalia, (later Prussia) a system of courts based on the Frankish law emerged. The Vehmgerichte, criminal tribunals, claimed to draw their authority from the royal court in Carolingin. Dealing with capital crimes only, verdicts of acquittal or death by hanging were the only alternatives. Accusations were made by public notice nailed to a tree. Failure to appear for trial resulted in condemnation to death which could be exacted by any freeman who confronted the accused. The order brought by the system earned it the sanction of the Holy Roman Emperors and it spread across Germany. The courts rose to their height of power in the 15th century and became increasingly secret with members sworn to complete secrecy on pain of death. Changing political forces and pressure brought on by corruption diminished their power and the last Vehmic trial was held at Dortmund, Germany on January 6, 1806. This skull with its polychromed matrix of entwined crosses is an oath skull of the Vehmic court dating to the early 17th century. It is an adult female skull with the mandible intact. The three crosses on the forehead symbolize Christ’s crucifiction with the criminals. The skull symbolized life and death and the accused was required to take a sacred oath of truth of his testimony with his hand on the skull. |
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