Art Funded by you

Medieval Reliquary Pendant

Unknown, 1300

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

Content note: This object record is part of our archive and has not been updated since it was first published. It may contain inaccurate information or outdated language. Please get in touch if you think this record should be amended.

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