PENDANT

Description: A complete silver pendant in the form of a crucifix, dating from the medieval period (c.AD1400-1500).

The horizontal arms of the crucifix appear to terminate in crudely cast trefoils, whilst the lower terminal is completely obscured by the feet of the figure of Christ. The upper terminal is formed by an integral loop, with attached silver link. The figure of Christ, also integral to the crucifix, is again somewhat crude, with extended arms and over large hands. Incised grooves, marking the fingers of the left hand, are clearly visible; not so with the right hand, which appears more worn. The figure is slumped, with the head resting on the right shoulder. The facial features are too worn to discern; a band around the head may form a worn 'crown of thorns'. The head rests on a sub-circular halo, cast at the centre point of the cross, with three radiating grooves emanating from the head. The figure is dressed in an unadorned cloth or loin-cloth, and crudely marked transverse grooves, forming the ribs, are marked on the upper body. Both legs are visible, and the right foot appears to be crossed and resting upon the left.

The reverse of the pendant appears at first glance to be undecorated. However, closer examination shows a series of very worn grooves, marks and differential patination. It is unclear if this constitutes intentional decoration, or is the result of the casting process, but it is most likely to be the result of using a mould of cuttlefish bone (compare, for example, SUR-685655 and SWYOR-9D37D8).

The crucifix has a mid-grey patina, darkening in places. Whilst worn in places, the crucifix is in otherwise good condition and is complete.

Discussion: Pendant crucifixes were personal items, strongly associated with expressions of piety and with private devotion. The wear shown on the crucifix is consistent with "touching, rubbing and probably kissing during [] daily use" (Campbell 2009, 87; Standley 2013, 78).

The figure of Christ as portrayed on the crucifix described above conforms to common Gothic period (c.13th to 15th century) depictions emphasising the torments of Jesus: gaunt figure with the body sagging and head slumped in death, wearing only a tied cloth around the waist (Stracke 2016). Whilst the cross is very different (and from an Irish context), the figure of Christ Hourihane (2000, 4 plates XXVIII-XXIV no. 25) illustrates is very similar to the crucifix under discussion here. Also of interest in this example is the intricate foliate decoration on the reverse of the crucifix, lending credence to possibility of decoration on the reverse of the crucifix. Hourihane (ibid) dates the crucifix pendant illustrated to the 15th century. A number of late medieval period crucifix pendants with similar depictions of Christ are recorded on the PAS database, in particular WAW-485713, LANCUM-A9E953, and LVPL-80DE19. As such, a 15th century date is suggested for the crucifix DUR-2D03C7 described above.

Dimensions: (Excluding silver link) Length: 20.51mm. Width: 18.49mm. Thickness: 1.84mm. Link diameter: 6.76mm; 1.33mm thick. Weight: 1.8g.

References:

Campbell, M., 2009. Medieval Jewellery in Europe 1100-1500, V&A Publishing, London.

Hourihane, C., 2000. "Holye Crossys", a Catalogue of Processional, Altar, Pendant and Crucifix Figures for Late Medieval Ireland. Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy. Vol. 100C, issue 1, pp 1-85

Standley, E.R., 2013. Trinkets and Charms. Oxford University School of Archaeology.

Stracke, R., 2016. Crosses and Crucifixes: historical study http://www.christianiconography.info/cross.html (accessed 20/12/2017)

Author: Benjamin Westwood, Finds Liaison Officer for Durham, Darlington & Teesside

Date: 21/12/2017