Iron tongs and seal for stamping the Host

Byzantine and Christian Museum, Athens, Greece

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Material: Iron, Bronze
Date range: 13th century AD
Origin: Found at Thebes in Boeotia

Different types of liturgical implements used in the preparation of the Eucharist bread, both found at Thebes in Boeotia and dated to the 13th century AD. On the right is a large pair of iron tongs/seal, which was used for stamping the Host. The Host is the unleavened eucharist bread used in the Latin Church. The tongs have long handles and large, circular, heavily textured iron plates at the end, used like a waffle iron or press. The seal on this iron piece is incised with a lily flower and a Solomon knob.

To the left of the iron tongs, resting on the display surface, are two smaller bronze objects: a pair of small bronze tongs and a bronze seal. These bronze pieces bear a Latin inscription. These artifacts represent liturgical equipment from the Latin Church, reflecting the presence and influence of the West in Greece during the 13th century, possibly following the Fourth Crusade.

Museum label reference: Iron tongs/seal for stamping the Host (unleavened eucharist bread used in the Latin Church) with incised lily flower and Solomon knob. Found at Thebes in Boeotia. 13th c. BXM 1101. Bronze tongs and seal with Latin inscription. Found at Thebes in Boeotia. 13th c. 

Original Text: Σιδερένια λαβίδα-σφραγίδα για σφράγισμα όστιας (άζυμου ευχαριστιακού άρτου της Δυτικής Εκκλησίας). Φέρει εγχάρακτο διάκοσμο από κρινάνθεμο και κόμβο του Σολομώντα. Βρέθηκε στη Θήβα. 13ος αι. BXM 1101. 

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Iron tongs/seal for stamping the Host and bronze tongs/seal with Latin inscription

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Source:  Athens, Greece