17th Century Bronze Reliquary Cross Lid

Description: The upper half of a Christian reliquary cross, adorned with a figure of the crucified Christ. A suspension loop above, the loop below being part of the hinge around which the lower half of the reliquary, now missing, would have opened/closed. Reverse hollow.

Such reliquaries were in effect small boxes, used to carry relics of saints, martyrs, splinters of ‘the true cross’ and other religious relics, often sold as souvenirs at holy shrines.

Details now a little worn; suspension loop quite stable and could be worn as a pendant.

Date: 17th century AD.
Region: European
Material: Bronze
Size: Height: 4.8CM