Collection of copper pectoral crosses

Byzantine and Christian Museum, Athens, Greece

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Material: Copper, metal
Date range: 6th-8th century AD
Origin: Unknown (likely Byzantine/Early Christian period, Greece)

A collection of dark-patinated copper pectoral crosses. Pectoral crosses, along with other small seals, were often worn as phylacteries—protective amulets carried to ward off evil and bring good fortune. Each cross is suspended by a small ring at its top. The crosses vary slightly in size and style, with some featuring flared or decorated arms. These artifacts are dated between the 6th and 8th centuries.

English label: Copper pectoral crosses with suspension ring, 6th–8th c. (?) BXM 231, 237, 239, 508, 1892–1893
Greek label: Χάλκινοι επιστήθιοι σταυροί με κρίκο ανάρτησης, 6ος–8ος αι. (?) BXM 231, 237, 239, 508, 1892–1893

Exhibit panel excerpt: "...eulogia with them as protection against evil, and to bring them good fortune. Other objects of this category include small seals bearing Christian symbols that were used mainly for securing personal items and at the same time could be worn like pectoral crosses as phylacteries. Similarly, clay seals decorated with religious symbols and inscriptions were used principally for stamping loaves offered by the faithful to the church for the liturgy."

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Display of copper pectoral crosses with suspension rings from the 6th-8th century

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