Pendant Cross

Unknown

5th–7th century · Bone · Islamic Art

This small cross would haven been strung on a necklace or string and worn around the neck. Crosses were everywhere in the early Byzantine world. They marked religious, secular, and domestic buildings, public works, clothes and jewelry, and objects in the home. The cross was a sign of Christ's triumph over death and the hope of eternal life and was frequently ascribed apotropaic, or protective, powers by the faithful.

Artist

Unknown

Date

5th–7th century

Medium

Bone

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1912