This Medieval (Byzantine) CHRISTIAN CROSS with the body of Christ is quite large (49x35mm) and heavy and is made of sterling silver. The design dates from the 5th to the the 12th century. There is a hole in the top to thread a piece of rope or leather or a thin silver chain to wear around the neck.

Dating to the late Roman and Byzantine periods, these were worn as statements of faith... commonly depicting Jesus Christ or the Virgin Mary. Some two-pieced crosses (reliquaries or encolpions), held within them relics of saints and martyrs... bits of bone, chips of stone, slivers of wood, or pinches of ash.