Photo © Israel Museum, Jerusalem, by Avraham Hay |
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Bronze cross-pendants decorated with circles
From tombs at different places, Israel 6th-7th century Bronze H: c. 3 cm Israel Antiquities Authority Accession number: IAA 31.317, 49-1053, 49-1105, 70-1997, 98-2495, 99-3863, 99-3868 |
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Crosses were commonly worn as jewelry, the functions of which were two: to beautify and protect from harm. The most common type in the Holy Land during the Byzantine period was a small bronze pendant decorated with circles. Many crosses of this type were discovered in tombs, where they were presumably placed along with personal belonging of the deceased. Publications: Israeli, Yael, and Mevorach, David, Cradle of Christianity, The Israel Museum, Jerusalem, 2000, English / Hebrew Exhibition: Cradle of Christianity, Israel Museum, Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel, Spring 2000 - Winter 2001 Digital presentation of this object was made possible by: The Ridgefield Foundation, New York, in memory of Henry J. and Erna D. Leir |
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