Early Christian Byzantine Bronze Processional Cross
A Rare Eastern Mediterranean Early Christian Byzantine Bronze Processional Cross
The flat body with broad flaring arms inwardly cusped ends with large discoid finials, compass drawn medallions enclosing six petalled roses together with multiple concentric rings decorate the cross, the bottom edge of each lateral arm is pierced three times for ‘Pendilia’, the lower part continues downward in a tang where the cross was once mounted on a staff
Palestine or Constantinople
Aged smooth green patina
6th to 8th Century AD
Size: 59cm high, 33cm wide – 23¼ ins high, 13 ins wide
63cm high – 24¾ ins high (including stand)
The flat body with broad flaring arms inwardly cusped ends with large discoid finials, compass drawn medallions enclosing six petalled roses together with multiple concentric rings decorate the cross, the bottom edge of each lateral arm is pierced three times for ‘Pendilia’, the lower part continues downward in a tang where the cross was once mounted on a staff
Palestine or Constantinople
Aged smooth green patina
6th to 8th Century AD
Size: 59cm high, 33cm wide – 23¼ ins high, 13 ins wide
63cm high – 24¾ ins high (including stand)
In the Byzantine period Holy feast days, such as Palm Sunday or the Elevation of the Cross, were observed and celebrated with processions in which the public took part. The procession would be organised by the Church and led by the elders. A cross such as this example, or an icon or other holy relic would be displayed at the helm for all to see by a church dignitary. Processional objects were also taken into battle where it served as a spiritual shield against the enemy. When not in use processional crosses were displayed within the church near the altar.
Early Christian Byzantine Bronze Processional Cross
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