“Sambenet” by Ruco

Getem in collab. with Varsi Apparel
Limited edition of 5 ponchos
100% screen printed cotton
Screen print by 56Fili
One size fits all 170 x 130 cm
Handmade in Italy

Model height: 186 cm

The Sambenet or “Sanbenito” was a penitential robe used during the Spanish Inquisition, worn by heretics and those convicted of religious crimes to publicly show their repentance. The condemned were led barefoot through the streets of the city, wearing the Sambenet and holding a long lit candle.
The “garment of infamy” consisted of a rectangular cloth with a hole for the head, accompanied by a pointed hat called a Coroza. The cloth was specially painted with themed decorations, including flames and demons.

Ruco revisited the ancient garment, decorating the fabric with motifs recalling the experience of burning and sin. The mirror image elaborated by the artist was screen-printed by 56Fili on a cotton cloth, from which was sewn a garment inspired by the camouflage ponchos of the military tradition, used in armies as hunting robes, temporary makeshift shelters for protection from the elements and widely used in the cavalry corps.
Ruco’s Sambenet is a versatile garment, wearable as a poncho and designed to be laid on a wall, like a tapestry.