Bronze cross-pendants decorated with circles
Bronze
H: ca. 3 cm
Israel Antiquities Authority
IAA:
1931-317, 1949-1053, 1949-1105, 1970-1997, 1998-2495, 1999-3863, 1999-3868
Archaeology/Hellenistic, Roman & Byzantine Periods
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.
From the Israel Museum publications:
Israeli, Yael, and Mevorach, David, Cradle of Christianity, The Israel Museum, Jerusalem, 2000, English / Hebrew
Exhibitions:
Cradle of Christianity, Israel Museum, Jerusalem, 28/03/2000 - 30/01/2001
Digital presentation of this object was made possible by:
The Ridgefield Foundation, New York, in memory of Henry J. and Erna D. Leir
