Byzantine reliquary with cross motifs

Reliquary in shape of a sarcophagus

Date: AD 400–600 (5th–6th century)
Origin: Apamene region, Syria

This small Early Byzantine reliquary, carved from gypsum stone, is shaped like a miniature sarcophagus and adorned with a pair of prominently incised circular medallions. Each medallion contains a four-armed cross with flaring, pointed terminals, surrounded by small drilled circles that may symbolize divine light or heavenly guardianship. The left medallion is encircled by a jagged, sun-like border of triangular rays, while the right medallion is set within a smoother circular frame, creating a visual contrast between radiant and enclosed sacred space.

Within the quadrants of both crosses are small circular marks—likely stylized eyes, celestial symbols, or apotropaic motifs used to invoke protection over the relics once held inside. The presence of a small round opening on the surface suggests an aperture through which the faithful might have viewed the relic or inserted fragments of cloth for contact relic practices.

The form imitates a full-sized sarcophagus, emphasizing themes of death, resurrection, and sanctity central to Byzantine Christian belief. Objects like this were often placed in church settings, chapels, or private devotional spaces, housing relics associated with saints whose presence conferred spiritual power and intercession.

Museum label reference:
Reliquary in shape of a sarcophagus.
Early Byzantine, 5th–6th century.
Apamene (Syria).
Gypsum stone.

Original Text:

Reliquiar in Sarkophagform
Gipsstein
Frühbyzantinisch, 5./6. Jh.
Apamene (SYR)
Museum für Byzantinische Kunst,
Inv.-Nr. 10/87

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