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Ectypomata

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

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(ἐκτυπώματα ) were gifts of a peculiar kind, which began to be made to churches probably about the middle of the 5th century. They are first mentioned by Theodoret, who tells us that when any one obtained the benefit of a signal cure from God in any member of his body, such as his eyes, hands, or feet, he then brought his ectypoma, the image or figure of the part cured, in silver or gold, to be hung up in the church as a memorial of divine favor. Such a practice prevailed among the ancient Greeks and Romans, and also among the Egyptians. The same custom was known among the Philistines, as we may infer from the case of the "golden emerods" and mice (1 Samuel 6:4). In Roman Catholic countries representations of parts of the body healed are often seen suspended upon the walls of churches.