Byzantine Reliquary cross - 10th-11th century AD Copper alloy reliquary crosses were popular in the Orthodox world in the Byzantine and post Byzantine centuries. This cross and similar examples are made of two crosses hinged at the bottom, which allowed access to a hollow space meant to hold a relic. They were meant to be worn on a chain. The large numbers of surviving copper-alloy reliquary crosses suggest that they were not used solely for relics of the True Cross or other primary relics, such as the bone of a saint; instead they likely contained secondary relics, for instance, a piece of earth from a holy site or a piece of fabric made holy through contact with the body of a saint. On the face of this work the crucified Christ appears flanked by the four evangelists. On the reverse, the Virgin Mary (Mother of God) stands in an orant prayer pose with upraised hands. Due to its patina, it can't be open. Provenance: Purchased by the current owner to an US gallery. Former private collection (1990s). The Supplier warrants that he obtained this lot legally. Provenance statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days. Important: For destinations out of Spanish territory: all our objects will be shipped after obtaining CERTIFICATE OF EXPORTATION by Ministry of Culture of Spain. We inform our clients that it may take between 4-8 weeks.