The Antrim Cross

Download original image

The Antrim Cross

Description

The Antrim Cross is a bronze cross with four equal arms. The cross has five pyramidal bosses each in the form of a truncated pyramid. The side of the pyramids are decorated with interlocking angular fields of yellow enamel, alternating with a similar-coloured design of an arrow within a truncated triangle. The pyramidal boss at the centre is taller and has angular enamelled panels on two of its four sides. The other two sides, back to back, differ in that they are decorated with an animal design, once fully enamelled between its raised outlines. The flat tops of the bosses are decorated with small squares of millefiori enamel. Rivet-holes in the separately cast base-plate show that this cross was attached to a flat surface, perhaps that of a house-shaped reliquary or a larger wooden cross.

The cross was found in County Antrim.

Get fun and creativity in your inbox

Enter your details to sign up to our newsletter.