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2022.89.1

Rainbow rosary beads.

2022.89.1

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Collection type
Object
Description
Rainbow rosary beads.
Long description
This Rainbow Rosary necklace comprises alternating rainbow beads, fifty-nine in total, each glossy and striped with a layer of colours to mimic the colours of a rainbow (dark blue, light blue, light green, dark green, yellow, orange, red). The beads are arranged with the metal chain holding an initial ten beads, followed by a separation of chain then one bead, for an alternation of five grouping of ten. Those beads then end at a token depicting a rainbow ribbon, then a length of chain and five remaining beads with a metal cross depicting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ at the bottom.
Person
Maker Unknown Maker
Date / Period
Date made: 2000 - 2021, uncertain
Acquisition information
Purchased: 31/10/2022
Materials and processes
Material Metal, Material Bead, Process Forged (Metal), Material Porcelain Pottery, Material Enamel
Dimensions
Length x Width x Height 36 x 10 x 10 mm
Object numbers
Accession number: 2022.89.1
Research and responses

Elliot Falkus provided data analysis on the Beyond the Binary reception from visitors by cataloguing and sorting 3179 feedback cards or notes total from the exhibition's opening on June 1st 2021 through June 30th 2022. Falkus' findings found that out of the total sample size on 33 feedback cards were "negative" or deemed "anti-queer." A selection of these sample cards were both positive and negative in terms of religious acceptance or discrimination against LGBTQIA+ or Queer community members. One such card that was positive stated "God Loves You," whereas a written message on the wall declared "God Says No." These differentiating responses highlight the different religious view regarding the lives of queer individuals whether those individuals belong to a particular faith or not, though part of Falkus's conclusion highlights the need for these spaces to invoke security for queer people of faith as that is still a contested notion.

"Searching for an artefact that combines contemporary queer and Christian identities did not produce many choices. Queer people of faith have always existed but often remain invisible in the UK. Around a third of LGBTQIA+ people feel unable to share their identity with their religious community, according to a 2018 Stonewall survey. But this is changing. Many individuals are speaking out and supporting others. Queer-friendly faith organisations in the UK are campaigning for rights, creating safe spaces for people to meet, and training clergy in diversity. This movement is present throughout world religions. Attitudes change slowly but support and love is out there." (Beyond the Binary, 2021).

Search terms: Divination Religion, Gender and Sexuality, Religion, Bead, Ritual and Ceremonial, Amulet, Ceremonial Object, Chain, Crucifix, Divination Accessory, Figure, Neck Ornament, Pendant, Prayer Object, Religious Object, Rosary