Medieval Bronze Cross Pendant - 'Okellos' (7th–12th c. CE)

Medieval bronze cross pendant, 'Okellos', with pattée arms carrying five raised ring-and-dot bosses, a widespread protective ornament worn as a Christian sign on the body. An integral tubular loop at the top completed the suspension.

The Motif:
Each flared arm bears a cast ring-and-dot in relief, with a fifth boss at the crossing. The arms widen toward concave-sided ends in the pattée manner, and the reverse is left plain. The ring-and-dot is one of the most widespread ornaments of the Medieval world, often read as a protective eye or sun sign; set five times on a cross, it joined that charge to the Christian cross worn against the chest.

Details:
Era: Medieval
Material: Bronze
Dimensions: Overall height: 30 mm; Width: 19 mm; Thickness: 2 mm
Condition: Intact with the suspension loop preserved; even green and earthen patina across both faces; light surface wear softening the edges of the bosses.
Provenance: Private collection of A.A., Copenhagen, Denmark; previously acquired on the German art market; originally from the Levant.
Unique Identifier: CP-59-B
Authenticity: Comes with certificate of authenticity

Restoration and Authenticity:
This piece is preserved in its untouched state, showing natural aging and patina from centuries of burial and wear. For those who prefer a refreshed look, a professional restoration service is available, reviving original detail while respecting historical integrity.
If you’d like to book a restoration, simply add the restoration option along with your order or book it as the additional product in my shop.
A Certificate of Authenticity is included.

Historical Context:
Small solid-cast pectoral crosses with pattée arms were produced in large numbers during the medieval centuries, made by lost-wax or two-part mould casting and finished by hand. They were worn on a cord against the body as a personal sign of Christian faith and as a daily request for protection. The ring-and-dot motif was one of the standard decorative charges of the period, used alone on buckles and mounts and combined here with the cross; its circular eye-like form was long associated with warding and with the sun. A plain reverse is typical of the class.

Worn against the body, the cross pendant carried its owner's faith as a daily plea for protection.

Explore more Medieval cross pendants from our collection.