Headdess of Przemyśl bishops from the archcatedral of St. John the Baptist and the Assumptions of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Abstract

The article presents the headdress found during the research conducted in 2012–2015 in the crypts of the Przemyśl archcathedral. They were furnishings of
burials of ordinary and suffragan bishops. There were analysed mitres, which are an important part of the pontifical attire, and calottes, which are not liturgical vestments. Both headdresses are exceptional finds because they are found relatively rarely during archaeological research. Although they are headdress typical of bishops,
they differ significantly in form and purpose, which was demonstrated in the article. Based on written sources, the mitre was presented in a broader symbolic and cultural
context, recalling the prayers that were said during the consecration and during preparation for the pontifical mass, when the mitre was placed on the bishop’s head.
Its appearance was discussed, paying attention to the characteristic features of the cut and finish, which made it possible to distinguish mitre: pretiosa, auriphrygiata
and simplex. The way of wearing it was also indicated and the changes in its form observed over the centuries. The article also highlights the modifications in the appearance
of the calotte. The Przemyśl finds allowed to capture various forms of this headdress and the transition stage between the calotte typical of the 16th century and
a fully shaped one made of several equal wedges.