'Pickled monks' brought out of the cupboard

Not many know of the Capuchin Order's custom of having permanent exhibitions of skeletons and mummified monks. Even fewer people would know that the crypt beneath the Capuchin Friary, in Floriana was used for this burial practice where friars dried the bodies of their brothers who died.

Though the details of this process are not well known, the dead bodies were probably cleaned of intestines and blood and left to dry out for more than a year in a room. The dried bodies of certain "holy" friars were erected and placed in niches dug in the walls of the crypt.

Wearing their habits, the monks were identified by name, age and date of their passing away.

The practice, in fashion about 250 years ago, is discussed in an article by Giovanni Bonello appearing in this summer's edition of Treasures of Malta, published by Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti.

The author goes into a number of documents and writings of foreign visitors who expressed revulsion towards the practice defined as "gruesome" by some. A London magazine in the 19th century, The Graphic, called the skeletons on display "pickled monks".

He explains how the walls of the crypt used to be decorated with bones and skulls. In fact, the walls are pitted with small holes made by steel nails used to hold up the remains. Though this could be seen as a macabre practice by today's standards, the monks probably saw this as a way in which to venerate deceased holy monks. The practice of keeping bones and skulls was a constant reminder that this life was not an end in itself.

The most venerated dried body that is still preserved is the one of Fra Krispin Zammit of Gozo who died in the convent in 1867 aged 78.

Treasures of Malta, edited by John Manduca, is available from all leading bookshops and stationeries.