Byzantine Metal Crosses from Erimtan Archaeology and Arts Museum

In this study, eleven metal crosses in Erimtan Archeology and Arts Museum collection, which are in very good condition, are evaluated. Seven of them are reliquary crosses, two are processional crosses and the other two are pectoral crosses which are hanging on the ends of the pendants. Only one of the crosses in the collection is iron, all the others are bronze. The ornamentation and decoration properties on the crosses (almost all can be said to belong to the Middle Byzantine period) are the prominent features that increase the quality of this group of crosses. Thus, the processional bronze cross which was probably used with the aim of blessing stands out with its rare form. The iron processional cross is a very significant example with its gilt that distinguishes it from the other crosses. Also, the figures and scraping ornaments on the reliquaries in the collection make these crosses significant. The presence of similar crosses in various museums and collections shows that they represent a very popular art style in Byzantine art