Ca. 1000-1300 AD. Medieval Western Europe. A beautiful bronze cross featuring rounded arms and mould-beaten decoration. The cross bears extensive relief decoration on both sides, with Christ on the cross at the centre on one side, and further biblical scenes on the back and on each of the arms. A integral suspension loop at the top of the cross allowed for the cross to be worn around the neck. Good condition. The cross, the principal symbol of Christianity, recalls the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the redeeming benefits of his Passion and death. The cross is thus a sign both of Christ himself and of the Christian faith. For more information on reliquary crosses, see Boas, A. J. (2016). Crusader Archaeology - The Material Culture of the Latin East. Taylor & Francis, 158. Size: L:83mm / W:57mm ; 26g. Provenance: Property of a London gentleman, part of his family collection formed in the 1980s-2000.