**First Time At Auction**

Near East, Byzantine Empire, ca. 8th to 12th century CE. A pretty cast bronze reliquary, made from three parts, consisting of two crosses, hollow on one side each, that fit together, and a large loop for suspension. Each cross face has an incised cross pattern on it. Size: 0.75" W x 1.7" H (1.9 cm x 4.3 cm)

Relics - physical remains of saints or objects associated with Christ, such as pieces of the True Cross, the shroud His body was wrapped in, or the Holy Grail - held tremendous power in medieval Christianity. Reliquaries, objects designed to hold relics, were usually kept in cathedrals or churches, but some wealthy individuals were able to possess them. The less wealthy could purchase replicas of reliquaries, small reliquaries containing less precious items like soil from a holy site, or metal items produced as a form of souvenir from shrines. Later, many of these objects were destroyed in times of religious conflict or strife; ones that are intact have often been passed down through generations of families.

Provenance: private Orange County, California, USA collection

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#118869

Smooth patina on all surfaces. Bottom pin is missing. Cord shown in photograph is not included.