Servant Madonna
The belt
The clearly carved belt, its ends hanging down in the centre of Mary’s robes, is of particular interest. Since ancient times the belt has been a symbol of fertility and birth. According to legend, Mary makes this belt from camel hair during her pregnancy. But its meaning is much greater than that. When Mary is welcomed into Heaven, Thomas is the only Apostle absent, doubting this event as well as Christ having risen. Mary appears to Doubting Thomas and allows her belt to hang down from Heaven as proof.
