The Voynich Pipes

[MarcoP]

@Marco:

Thx for that. So stema = stemma = chaplet or garland. But does that mean the crown of thorns of Christ? Has the word "stemma" been in use to designate that?

Actually what I try to ascertain is what of the three things do the alternating sticks/pipes represent:

- nails
- crown of thorns
- cross in motion

The verse seems to be intended to explain that, but clarity was sacrificed to poetry.

However imperfect is my Latin, I find the English translation unsatisfactory as well. At least I'm acquainted with "Sator Arepo Tenet Opera Rotas" Sso "tenet" is 3rd person present, and not past tense.

Hi Anton,
I have been unable to find “stema” or “stemma” for Christ's crown of thorns.
On the other hand, there are examples in which the cross is said to be “stemma Christi” the emblem or device of Christ (You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view. and You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.).

It had previously escaped to me that “positio” is nominative and must be the subject of the sentence. 
I have also found that there is an alternative version/transcription with “fixae” instead of “fixi”.

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O quam pulchrum stema tenet clavorum positio 
crucis Christi rotae fixae hoc in orologio, 
in qua ipse carne pendens pro salute hominum.

My attempt at a translation:
The position of the nails of the cross of Christ fixed to the wheel in this clock keeps [makes?] oh such a beautiful garland [emblem?], in which [cross] he [is] hanging by [his] flesh for the salvation of men.

I interpret “fixae” as a singular genitive linked with “crucis”.  
“rotae” as singular locative.
As you say, “clarity was sacrificed to poetry”, but at least this makes sense grammatically (while I don't know what to do with “fixi”).

See also the comment You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.: 
It is very likely that the horologium has been provided with an illustration of the crucifixion accompanied by the semi-figures of what must be Sol and Luna under the influence of another passage of this poem (possibly itself influenced by a picture): “O quam publchrum stema...”