Sculpture, Eastern orthodox bishop's staff - 4.5 cm - Ivory

Eastern orthodox bisschops- or abbots staff or crozier - 17th century or earlier

An exceptional and finely carved crozier top in the form of a Tau cross, executed in ivory.


This Eastern Orthodox crozier is tau-shaped, with a pair of sculptured serpents on top, curled back to face each other. The symbolism is of the bronze serpent, Nehushtan, made by Moses as related in Numbers 21: verses 8–9.

Similar croziers are used by Greek bishop's and abbots in the 17th century and earlier.
Some of these ivory croziers were covered with a silver plating.

Literature: Patmos Treasures of the Monastery by Athanasius Kominis Professor at Athens University. Edited by Ekdotike Athenon in 1988. See page 254. ( Photograph with three Greek croziers and close up of crozier of Gerasimos of old Patrai)

This crozier was probably also adorned with silver but this is not certain.
The lower wooden part of the crozier is gone.

Important Notice – CITES Regulation:

CITES certificate present for commercial activities within the EU

This item contains material (e.g. ivory) that falls under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
In accordance with CITES regulations, this object can only be shipped within the European Union.
Unfortunately, we are unable to export this piece outside the EU.

Registered shipping

Likely dating to the 17th century, though possibly of earlier origin.

Measuring 14.5 cm x 4,5 x 1,5 cm. (without base)
Condition: few cracks
Provenance: Dutch private collection.