Pectoral Cross (900s Byzantium) - Catholic Stock Photo
A pectoral cross is a cross that is worn on the chest, usually suspended from the neck by a cord or chain. In ancient history, pectoral crosses were worn by both clergy and laity. However, by the Late Middle Ages, the pectoral cross came to be an indicator of rank worn only by bishops.
This cross was designed with gold accents, gilt-silver, and cloisonné enamel. Cloisonné is an ancient technique for decorating metalwork objects with colored material held in place or separated by metal strips or wire, normally of gold. This pectoral cross features an image of Christ crucified in the center and likely features four other images on each corner of the cross. These four circular corners are now empty, due to over 1000 years of wear and tear. However, the corners could have contained images of the four evangelists, or symbols of Christ, or other common Christian symbols.
