Folia archeologica 22.

Zsuzsa S. Lovag: Byzantine Type Reliquary Pectoral Crosses in the Hungarian National Museum

I 44 ZS. S. LOVAG Fragment of the obverse of a reliquary cross (Fig. 2. no. 4), provenance unknown. (Inv. no. 1B74. 276. 9.) Regarding its form and representation it is almost identical with the obverse of the Dunapentele cross. It shows very slight traces of wear. The lower arm is missing. H.: 5,3 cm; W.: 4,3 cm. Acquired by theMuseum by means of purchase. Fragment of the obverse of a reliquary cross (Fig. 2. no. j) of unknown provenance. (Inv. no. 55.88.B.) The fragment consists only of the lower arm of the cross, which is flaring toward the end, has a straight termination with a hinge loop at bottom. It is bordered by a straight line. Of the figure in relief a long vestment with vertical folds remained, the feet, with toes turned out, rest on a suppedaneum. Judging by the rendering of the folds, the suppedaneum and the straight hinge loop it is the fragment of the obverse of a pendant cross, similar to that of Vésztő. H.: 4,4 cm; W. : 2,2 cm. Obverse of a reliquary pectoral cross (Fig. 2. no. 6), of a provenance unknown (Inv. no. 1874. 1.585.) The cross is of considerably smaller dimensions than the previous ones, in the form of a Latin cross, with flaring upper and lower arms, the sides of the transverse arms are parallel with each other and end in straight lines, there is a ring at each end of the upper and lower arms. A loop is attached with a hinge and serves for suspension, it is decorated with a vertical rib on each side. The figure of Christ stands out but slightly against the hollowed background. He is standing with outstretched arms, wearing the colobium, with a cross over his head. H.: 4,8 cm (with suspension loop 5,9 cm); W.

: 2,3 cm. Almost identical crosses as for dimensions, form and representation are known from Bulgaria, with the Virgin in an orant position on their reverse;

18 one of these crosses came to light together with other finds dating from the turn of the tenth and eleventh centuries.

1

9 Reverse of a reliquary cross (Fig. 3. no. 1) Orosháza. (Inv. no. 1893. 75. 448.) In the form of a Latin cross with arms flaring towards the ends and terminating in straight lines, at top and bottom there are fragments of two hinge loops. The cross is bordered by an engraved line, at the ends of the arms there are ribbed bands. In the centre is the engraved figure of a saint in an orant position, with a halo around his head and a garment reaching to the lower legs, hanging in waved folds. H.: 7,9 cm; W.: 4,4 cm.

2

0 There are difficulties in identifying the person represented, though there are also inscribed examples among the numerous similar crosses stylistically very close 1

8 Miiatev, K. R., op. cit. 65. 70., Figs. 45, 53. 1

9 Miltchev

, A., op. cit. 29., Fig. 8. 21

1 Published by Bárány-Oberschall, M., 218., Fig. 67/a. ; Kovalovs^ki, J., Orosháza és környéke a magyar középkorban. Orosháza története. (Orosháza 1965) 187., Pl. 46 (I).