Sold
Near East, Holy Land, Byzantine Empire, ca. 8th to 12th century CE. A finely carved bovine or ungulate bone cruciform pendant, highly decorated, and including an integral loop on the top for suspension as a pendant. The frontside is carefully carved to form a recessed area with relief circular and rectangular shapes adorning the four arms and bordered by a relief edge. The bottom arm is longer than the rest, with two indents creating pointed corners. The backside of the pendant is flat and smooth, the surface of both sides is a glossy buff hue with black striations integral to the bone. The circles on this cross symbolize completeness and infinity – a popular theme in Christian beliefs. A beautiful piece of religious jewelry from the Byzantine era that is wearable with a modern cord and silver-plated lobster clasp. Size of pendant: 3″ L x 1.81″ W (7.6 cm x 4.6 cm); cord: 19″ L (48.3 cm)
Condition: Nicks and chips to peripheries and stable hairline cracks. Minor surface pitting and wear as expected with age and material. Strung with modern cord and modern clasp, so beautiful, meaningful, and wearable.
Provenance: ex-Estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan USA acquired before 2000
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all purchases.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
