The Liturgical Arts Journal has an article by Shawn Tribe which is a useful introduction to the symbolic and actual role of screens in churches from the late Roman era and their subsequent development in both East and West. Especially for those less familiar with this aspect of ecclesiology this is a useful introduction. For any reader it is a reminder of the importance of the concept of defining and delimitating sacred space within different, but related, traditions.
The illustrated article can be seen at On Balustrades (Cancelli), Rood Screens and Iconostases
One legacy of such features in not only churches but other Roman administrative buildings is the title of Chancellor as a legal or administrative post. The Chancellor was the scribe who sat behind the screen, within the inner part of the court, recording the decisions made.
To quote from Wikipedia “The original chancellors were the cancellarii of Roman courts of justice—ushers, who sat at the cancelli or lattice work screens of a basilica or law court, which separated the judge and counsel from the audience.”
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