A Russian bronze late 18th century priest cross. These crosses were worn by Orthodox priest and monks in 18th century Russia. See by the serious wear it must have been used intensively and been kissed thousands of times by the pious Russian Believers. Christ is depicted on a Slavic cross, rather triumphant than suffering. On the top two angels worship Christ their hands covered by cloth. The top shows the face of God the Father. At the base the skull of Adam. In the Orthodox Church the rhyme " Adam brought us death by the living wood of the tree, Christ brought us life by the death wood of a tree" explains Christ life bringing death. Golgotha were the cruxifixion took place is also the place were according tradition Adam was buried. This cross is cast by the Old Believers a schism of 1666 in the Orthodox church. The Old Believers specialized themselves in casting of travel icons, using the iconography of before the schism. Size 16 x 10 cm