Tenners' Screen

The Tenners' Screen is the perforated chancel screen within the Mynster at the Concent of Saunt Edhar that bounds the Decenarians (Tenners) in their nave. Like the other chancel screens, it manages sightlines so that each cohort sees “its” chancel without looking across into other naves.

First Appearance and Context

The screen is noted during a solemn aut when the assembly’s reaction is contrasted across the hall; the sound from behind the Tenners’ side is described as especially subdued during an aut of Anathem.

Roles and Use

• Gatekeeping and access: A small door set into the screen is opened before Provener so that Tenners may enter the chancel; this duty is associated with Grandfraa Mentaxenes.
• Sightline control: In ordinary observance, the screen’s light-toned, perforated face toward the chancel and darker nave side prevent casual viewing into other naves; without special instruments, onlookers cannot see through to opposite congregations.

Description

• Construction: Perforated screenwork arranged as part of the octagon around the chancel, bright toward the chancel and dark toward the nave to shape visibility.
• Fittings: Includes a discreet, human-sized door used during named observances.

Current Status

Active and in regular use as the Decenarians’ boundary within the Mynster, with the door operated before Provener and during formal processions as required.