C. 9th-12th century AD

A Byzantine bronze cross engraved with the crucifixion of Christ, with his arms outstretched and his head slightly drooping to one side. On the reverse, at the ends of each arm are faint medallions engraved with Greek letters. The two halves of the reliquary were joined by a hinge, with access to a hollow space meant for holding a religious relic.

Suspension loop repaired in antiquity otherwise nice detail with some earthy surface deposits.

Provenance: Ex H. N. Collection, Milton Keynes, collected in 1980’s-1990’s.

Ref: Similar example on British Museum website: Museum number 1923,0716.94.

Size: 42mm x 70mm