This gold reliquary pendant was found by a metal detectorist in the Uttlesford district of northwest Essex.
The tiny pendant is in the form of a cross pattée, in which the arms broaden at the ends. Both the front and back are decorated with pelleting and engraved with floral motifs.
Medieval reliquaries held fragments of saints’ bones or wood from the True Cross. The back of this example remains secured in place by an iron pin, and the relic may still be inside. Other details include decorative pins and several gold loops.
The pendant joins other key finds from the local area at the Saffron Walden Museum.
More information
Title of artwork, date
Medieval Reliquary Pendant, 1300
Date supported
2019
Medium and material
Gold, reliquary pendant intact, may still contain tiny religious relic of unknown substance
Dimensions
2.9 x 2.1 x 0.4
Total cost
6000

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