Asset number
898447001
Description
Walrus ivory plaque in the shape of a cross with expanded terminals, carved in relief, with two attachment-holes at the end of each arm; traces of two others, and a third uncompleted drilling, are present on the right-hand arm of the cross. The back is undecorated and has a sub-rectangular cavity 1.3 cm long cut down from the upper edge. The surface is highly polished. Dark staining down the sides of the cross on the reverse may derive from contact with metal fixings. A plain frame runs round the cross except on the ends of the lateral arms. This intersects a circular mandorla at its centre which is overlapped by the upper part of Christ's body, his hands resting on it. The slender, elongated figure of Christ has a cruciferous halo, his feet rest on a trapezodial ‘suppedaneum' with an incised frame and double arcs at its lower corners. From the upper edge of the cross the hand of God in a trapezoidal sleeve with three tiers of arches descends to touch Christ's head. Possibly a book-mount.
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