Processional cross
Author: Unknown
Date: 12th century
Material: Bronze
Dimensions (cm): H 33,5 x W 18,5
Inscription: IHEsvs M NAZARENVS M REX M IVDEORVMM
Provenance: Guimarães (?), Unknown
Inventory No.: MAS To 17
This Latin cross pattée, with the arms finished by three small spheres or pearls, is resting on a knop in the shape of a flattened sphere.
On the obverse, it presents, at the centre, the engraved figure of the crucified Christ and, above it, the classic inscription “IHEsvs M NAZARENVS M REX M IVDEORVMM” (Jesus of Nazareth King of the Jews). The extremities of the arms of the cross present the depiction of the Sun, the Moon and, at the top, the Hand of God, in a gesture of blessing, extending over the figure of Christ. On the reverse, there are the same motifs, with the exception of the upper one where there’s a thurible, swung by a hand coming out of a stippled cloud.