The Crucifixion

This cross was carved from walrus ivory in ca. 1090-1110, possibly in Norwich. It shows the crucified Christ between the Roman soldiers Longinus and Stephaton. Above these three figures, two heads representing Moon and Sun are shown, and in the centre, the Hand of God is emerging from the sky.

Small holes around the edge of the cross and around the body of Christ indicate that the ivory was formerly attached to some kind of support, perhaps a metal plate, and framed with metal strips, all presumably made of gilt-copper. The Crucifixion relief may also have been further decorated with gold leaf or foil, and a small cavity at its centre back may once have held a relic.

Crosses such as these were (and still are) worn by high Christian church officials such as abbots and bishops, and are often referred to as pectoral crosses (from the Latin pectoralis, 'of the chest').