A group of nine burses, nine stole and two maniples, European, 19th-20th century

A Burse, is a flat square stiffened folder, used as a container for the corporal which is the small linen cloth on which the chalice and paten are placed during the Mass. Early examples of burses would have been decorated on both sides, and often with quite elaborate scenes and workmanship. They became simpler over time. A stole is a long scarf worn over the left shoulder by deacons and over both shoulders by priests. It is the sign of the priest's authority and is one of the Eucharistic vestments. The maniple is a shorter loop of material carried over the left wrist. Originally it was a square of linen to wipe sacramental vessels, and was carried in the hand. The design and colour of the maniples usually match those of the stole, burse and chalice veil.