Near East / Holy Land, Byzantine Empire, ca. 8th to 12th century CE. One face of a lovely cast-bronze reliquary cross with projecting lateral arms, a short upper body, and a lengthy lower body, each with a nubbin-shaped ornament on the corners. The obverse face of the cross displays an incised saintly figure with bent arms and wearing flowing vestments; however, the identifying name inscribed above the head is heavily faded. A thick suspension bale is attached to the topmost prongs and enables the cross half to be worn as a pendant. Size: 1.875" W x 3.9" H (4.8 cm x 9.9 cm).

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#138503

Other half of cross missing. Losses to some nubbin ornaments, fading to inscribed details, and slight bending to overall form. Light earthen deposits and great green patina throughout.