Perinnekartat

Perinnekartat are a type of devotional chart originate from the Netherlands and were primarily used by women in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The name "Perinnekartat" translates to "perine knecht chart" which roughly means "faithful servant chart" in Dutch. These charts typically featured intricate designs and were often decorated with lace, ribbons, and other embellishments.

Perinnekartat were used by women to commemorate and meditate on the lives of the saints and biblical figures. Each chart was carefully designed to illustrate a specific saint's story or virtues. Women would use these charts as a visual aid to pray, reflect, and deepen their faith. The practice of creating and using Perinnekartat was particularly popular among the pietist movement in the Netherlands, which emphasized personal piety and devotional practices.

The creation of Perinnekartat involved a significant amount of time and effort, often requiring lengthy needlework or embroidery sessions. Only skilled needleworkers were qualified to create these intricate charts. Once completed, these charts were usually kept in a glass case or displayed proudly in the home, serving as a testament to the creator's faith and devotion.

Perinnekartat can be found in various museum collections, including the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, and are a notable example of Dutch Catholic artistic and devotional practices. Today, they remain an important cultural and historical artifact, offering a glimpse into the pious lives of women in the past that valued handmade crafts and spiritual practices.