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The Staffordshire Hoard: Pectoral cross

A pectoral cross or pectorale (from the Latin pectoralis: 'of the chest') is a cross, usually relatively large, suspended from the neck by a cord or chain that reaches well down the chest.

It would have been worn by senior clergy (bishops and abbots) as a sign of their office, or by wealthy Christian lay people.



Pendant cross with expanded arms and central flat top cabochon stone, the stone is red and presumed garnet.




The top arm is detached, torn rather than a deliberate cut. The decoration goes from the front over the loop and finishes on the back.

This damaged area shows that the arms may have been added to the central area and soldered in position.

The main cross has three other arms with a circular filigree pattern with twisted wire work edging. The left arm has been bent upwards and inwards.





The central garnet is set in the gold, which has decorative twisted wire



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