We honor St. Maurice and his story of bravery, sacrifice, and devotion, and he continues to inspire people around the world today, including the W.I.S.E & Black brand.
Moor's Head |
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Overview | The Moor's Head |
Possible Inspiration |
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Overview | St. Maurice of Thebes |
Born | c. 3rd century Thebes, Egypt |
Died | c. 287 Agaunum, Alpes Graiae et Vallis Poeninae |
Venerated in | |
Canonized | Pre-Congregation |
Major shrine |
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Moor's Head, banner; soldier; soldier being executed with other soldiers, knight; sub-saharan African in full armour, bearing a standard and a palm; knight in armour with a red cross on his breast, which is the badge of the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus |
Wise and Black: Brief History of St. Maurice of Thebes
Early Life and Military Career
Saint Maurice was born in the 3rd century AD in Thebes, an ancient city in Egypt. He was of Nubian descent and was a devoted Christian from a young age. Maurice joined the Roman army and quickly rose through the ranks due to his leadership skills and bravery. He was eventually appointed as the leader of the Theban Legion, a unit of 6,600 soldiers who, like Maurice, were all Christian.
The Theban Legion's Stand
The Theban Legion was stationed in Gaul (modern-day France and Switzerland) when Emperor Maximian ordered a series of sacrifices to the Roman gods. The entire legion, under Maurice's leadership, refused to comply with the order due to their Christian faith. This act of defiance led to the decimation of the legion, a brutal practice where every tenth soldier was killed. Despite this, the Theban Legion remained steadfast in their refusal to worship the Roman gods. In response, Maximian ordered the execution of the entire legion. Maurice, along with his fellow soldiers, was martyred around 286 AD.
Legacy and Veneration
Saint Maurice is revered across professions, locations, and monarchies, symbolizing a bridge between martial valor and artisanal heritage. As the patron saint of soldiers, swordsmiths, armies, and infantrymen, his legacy honors his illustrious military service. Beyond the battlefield, Saint Maurice extends his protection to weavers and dyers, paying homage to Thebes' esteemed textile tradition.
His sanctity spans notable regions, including the Duchy of Savoy, the Kingdom of Sardinia, Switzerland's Valais canton, and various European towns and cities, with a special veneration in Magdeburg, Germany. Here, the Cathedral of Magdeburg stands as a monumental dedication to his influence.
Depicted as a knight clad in armor, wielding a lance or sword, Saint Maurice's iconography celebrates his martial prowess. Remarkably, he is often portrayed as a black African, marking one of the earliest representations of a black individual in Western art. In homage to his enduring spirit and as a nod to our heritage, we proudly feature Saint Maurice's image, "the Moor's Head," as the emblematic motif and logo of Wise and Black Company, symbolizing our commitment to quality and the rich tapestry of history our products embody.
The Origins and Impact
Our interpretation
The precise origin of the Moor's head is a subject of controversy. But the most likely explanation is that it is derived from the heraldic war flag of the Reconquista depicting the Cross of Alcoraz, symbolizing Peter I of Aragon and Pamplona's victory over the "Moorish" kings of the Taifa of Zaragoza in the Battle of Alcoraz in 1096. The blindfold may originally have been a headband.
Another theory claims that it is the Nubian Saint Maurice. The earliest heraldic use of the Moor's head is first recorded in 1281, during the reign of Peter III of Aragon and represents the Cross of Alcoraz, which the King adopted as his personal coat of arms. The Crown of Aragon had for a long time governed Sardinia and Corsica, having been granted the islands by the Pope, although they never really exercised formal control. The Moor's head became a symbol of the islands.
The Emblem's Journey to Modern Fashion
Today, this emblematic legacy continues with W.I.S.E & Black, a contemporary clothing brand. They embraced the emblem of The Crowned Moors, respecting its historical journey while also adding a modern touch. The brand chose Saint Maurice as their inspiration, acknowledging the potential connection between the Moor's head and this revered Nubian saint.
Through the lens of fashion, the brand aims to echo the core values that the emblem represents – wisdom, integrity, strength, and endurance. W.I.S.E & Black also strives to uphold the symbol's original androgynous quality, promoting a message of inclusivity and acceptance.
From Saint Maurice to W.I.S.E & Black, the emblem's journey reflects an intertwining of faith, valor, cultural exchange, exploration, trade, and fashion. It serves as a potent symbol of enduring resilience, unwavering devotion, and timeless virtue, continuing to inspire and motivate across epochs.
Summary
The story of Saint Maurice is a powerful testament to the strength of faith and the courage to stand up for one's beliefs. His legacy continues to inspire and guide people, particularly those in the military, reminding them of the importance of integrity, bravery, and devotion to their faith. In the world of fashion, his emblem serves as a beacon of inspiration for brands like W.I.S.E & Black, who carry forward his legacy in their designs and ethos. The Moor's head, a symbol steeped in history and controversy, finds a new expression in the modern world, continuing its journey from the battlefields of the Reconquista to the fashion statements of today.
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