This miter, or ceremonial headdress, was given to Pope Pius XI by Benito Mussolini, leader of the Italian government, as a sign of homage.

Because of its weight and height (19.6 inches tall), it was never worn but stands as a symbol of the tastes popular in Rome from 1920 to 1940.

The white satin miter is long and narrow and the front is adorned with raised gold embroidery and a large silver crucifix. The back, seen here, has a a silver image of the Virgin and child with a half moon and stars at her feet. Below in raised embroidery are the symbols of the evangelists Mark and Luke. The bottom is decorated with gold brocade with large amethysts set in burnished silver. The infulae (streamers) are white satin, gold fringed and decorated with the same silver and amethyst settings.

Saint Peter and the Vatican: The Legacy of the Popes, Saturday through April 18 at Cincinnati Museum Center. 287-7001 and (800) 733-2077; www.cincymuseum.org. We will highlight one object from this exhibition on the A&E page through April 15; find more stories at Cincinnati.Com.