Early Christian Terracotta Tablet

Culture: Byzantine

Period: 6th-7th century A.D.

Material: Terracotta

Dimensions: 12 cm x 6.5 cm

Price: Sold

Ref: 3238

Provenance: French private collection, acquired in September 1995 at gallery Carrefour in Paris. With a handwritten expertise by Claude Vérité dating the object already to the 2nd century and recognizing a sort of identification for the pilgrims.

Condition: Some chips as seen in the photograph.

Description: Extraordinary terracotta tablet depicting on the transvers side in relief abundant early Christian symbols. In the centre a Maltese cross, two birds sitting on the horizontal arms. Bottom left a sheep with shepherd. Right an equal-armed cross in a frame. On top left a today unidentifiable inscription. The symbols framed by a pattern of triangles. On the other side in portrait a stylized face of a veiled woman with a long, ribbed neck. She is holding a child in her arms, approximately on chest level. Highly interesting tablet, serving possibly as a votive offering. Debatable is whether this is a votive offering during a pilgrimage or a commemorative plaque.