Month: March 2025

• Ricardo Falé | BSc Biotechnology (UÉ)
  Ricardo is working on the analytical characterisation of three simulacra: St Semuc and St Fortunato (@scmalmada set) and St Clemente (Palácio Nacional de Queluz). His research will focus on identifying (di)similarities between these religious artefacts.

• Suarlin Cordova | EMJMD ARCHMAT
  Suarlin’s Master Thesis, “Lives and Legacies” will explore the skeletal remains and archaeological assemblage of Jesuit professors from the University of Évora, uncovered during excavations on a chapel of Igreja do Espírito Santo (Évora, 2020/2021). Suarlin will analyse stable isotopes to reconstruct diet and conduct a comprehensive analytical study of burial-associated objects, contributing to the HB and @inosteo_ projects. Both works will be developed at @herculeslaboratory

• Beatriz is opening new doors in the HB project, launching a topic that has never been explored. As a designer, she will focus on communication, presenting an engaging and effective strategy to (re)introduce simulacra to the public. Beatriz will delve into the anthropological significance and role of simulacra in shaping religious identity, exploring how these artefacts have been perceived and valued. The next step is to develop an innovative app and a curated visual identity to document and catalog simulacra across Portugal. This work will develop tangible and digital approaches to raise awareness and ensure simulacra preservation. We’ll gradually reveal the coming steps.

From now on, simulacra will finally “have a voice” in their physical context, whether in churches, monasteries, or private houses.

On March 18th, HB & HERCULES Laboratory team members took part in the Cientificamente Provável program – an initiative that fosters knowledge exchange and enriches students’ learning journeys.
Teresa Ferreira (HB PI) and Joana Palmeirão (HB postdoc) led a short talk, introducing key concepts like simulacra, relics, heritage, and science, and explaining how they intertwine.
Students then dove into a hands-on dyeing workshop, recreating historical techniques to colour textile fibres using natural products.
We also showcased 3D digitization and gave students the chance to step into virtual reality, immersing themselves in a digital world where some of the simulacra from the HB project are already preserved.

We thank our team: Cristina Dias, Joana Palmeirão, Luís Sousa, Marius Araújo, and Teresa Ferreira.
A Special thanks to Isabel Gameiro from Escola Secundária André de Gouveia for her enthusiasm and coordination, and to all the students who embraced this activity.

From 10th-14th and 18th-20th February, our team embarked on a fieldwork campaign in Lisbon and its surroundings. From historic churches to palaces and monasteries, we meticulously studied an array of simulacra at:

– Igreja Paroquial de St Nicolau, Igreja de St Maria Madalena, Igreja de St António, and Convento dos Cardaes (Lisbon)
– Capela do Palácio Caldas (CDS headquarters, Lisbon)
– Palácio dos Marqueses de Pombal (Oeiras)
– Convento de St. António de Varatojo (Torres Vedras)
– Palácio Nacional de Queluz (Queluz)

Our interdisciplinary team—conservators, chemists, biological anthropologist, digital humanities experts, and photographers—worked in situ to document, analyse, digitise, and preserve this (still) underappreciated religious heritage.

But can you imagine how many simulacra were under focus?

St Bonifácio, St Vitória, St Fulgêncio, St Justina, St Vitório, St Eleonora, St Vitória, St Burcio, St Benedito & St Clemente!

Soon, they will be part of our upcoming database, where you’ll be able to explore the insights Holy Bodies is uncovering.