“The Knight of the Rusted Veil” — Original Paper Mâché Plaque by Ricardo Pustanio

“The Knight of the Rusted Veil” — Paper Mâché Plaque by Ricardo Pustanio

In the quiet decay of forgotten cathedrals, where iron rusts and prayers turn to dust, legends tell of a guardian who once stood at the veil between worlds. This haunting visage — half relic, half warning — captures that story.

✨ The Lore
Long before the secret societies of Europe crossed the ocean, there was a covenant whispered of only in blood — a brotherhood of immortals bound not by creed, but by hunger and revelation. The Knight of the Rusted Veil was their sentinel, the one who enforced the laws between night and dawn.

His sword, driven through his skull, marked the end of that ancient pact — a ritual sealing that kept the covenant from devouring itself. The fleur-de-lis, once branded on the foreheads of the faithful, became his sigil of atonement: a reminder that even creatures of the night must bow to order.

In New Orleans, it’s said that this relic carries the weight of those old vows. When placed where shadows gather, its presence stirs unseen watchers — protectors, perhaps, or those waiting to see if the covenant will rise again.

✨ The Art
The skull, pierced through by a corroded sword, represents the eternal struggle between knowledge and mortality. The Masonic emblem carved at the hilt whispers of hidden brotherhoods and sacred oaths — secrets meant to protect humanity but too often consumed by their own pursuit of power. The fleur-de-lis radiating outward marks the relic as born of New Orleans soil, echoing both its Catholic sanctity and its shadowed underworld of mystics, masons, and vampires.

Time has eaten away at its edges; the metal blooms with rust like dried blood. Yet, even now, the piece hums with an uneasy dignity — as if the knight’s oath still binds him beyond the grave. Some say this is not merely a work of art but a vessel of remembrance for a soul that once guarded the threshold of the dead.

Those who keep it are said to be watched over by that same ancient force: a protector of mysteries, a keeper of forbidden light.

Due to the weight and dimensions of this piece, in-store pickup is encouraged when possible. If shipping is required, you may receive a partial refund if overcharged at checkout, or an additional invoice if the actual shipping and handling cost exceeds the amount paid.

🎨 About the Artist
Ricardo Pustanio is an internationally celebrated ritual artist, known for his sacred skulls, Vodou shrines, and large-scale installations. Former designer of the Krewe of Mid-City (1999–2020) and creator of the International Shrine of Marie Laveau, Pustanio’s work continues to evolve—bridging spirit, ceremony, and myth. His pieces are recognized around the world and have been requested by the International Museum of Arts and Civilisations of Vodun in Benin.