Hand-Held Cross

3D Model

Priests of the Coptic Church carry hand-crosses such as this even today. The image on the front (top) could be a saint or perhaps the Virgin, clutching her heart in remembrance of the Biblical phrase”… and a sword shall pierce your heart ....” The reverse side (bottom) of this small cross is a stylized Coptic cross, although the handle bears the divine beard design, a hold-over from a more ancient time. This steatite cross was made ca. 600 CE.

3D model created by Abigail Crawford.