cult object
Venerated ritual item
A cult object is something venerated by a devoted following, whether religious or secular.
In anthropology and art history, it refers to items used in worship rituals: statues, relics, sacred vessels.
More broadly, any artifact that inspires intense devotion qualifies: The original Volkswagen Beetle became a cult object among enthusiasts.
The term often carries a whiff of the esoteric or obsessive.
- totem poleCarved pillar with clan symbols
- spirit maskCeremonial face covering representing supernatural beings
- wandThin ceremonial stick
- chaliceOrnate ritual drinking vessel
- pentacleEncircled five-pointed star
Torah scroll · sacred relic · amulet · effigy · relic · cauldron · prayer wheel · altar · mandala · incense burner · shrine · holy water font · sigil · idol · crucifix · holy grail · talisman · statue
cult objectthrowaway
Designed for discard
junk · trash · tchotchke · knickknack · bric-a-brac
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