Holy water stoup Art Deco of the first half of the 20th century

Art Deco Blessing plate from the first half of the 20th century.
"Virgin of Montserrat".
Metal.
Measurements: 18 x 10 x 4 cm.
Art Deco blessing box with the representation of the Virgin of Montserrat or La Moreneta, the black virgin, patron saint of Catalonia, but worshipped since medieval times beyond geographical frontiers.
Benditeras are utensils that contain a container with holy water and are used to make the sign of the cross or to make the sign of the cross. They are a domestic version of the holy water fonts found at the entrance of churches, evoking the water fountains traditionally found in the surroundings or inside religious and magical places. In popular domestic use, they are usually placed by the front door or in bedrooms and are used by their owners to make themselves holy when they go to bed or get up. They can be defined as small plates or slabs, usually oval, on which various motifs have been carved or moulded, and which are decorated overall. Their lower front part includes a shallow receptacle for holding holy water.