Crucifix (Lead penal cross)

Description

A lead crucifix known as a penal cross. The front shows a simplified figure of Christ with the feet nailed together and with a nimbus around his head. The back is incised with a heart, cross and the letters IHS and a date. This type of cross is believed to be a souvenir from the pilgrimage site at Lough Derg, Co. Donegal. Lead is an unusual metal to use in the making of penal crosses.