Bread stamp with menorah and cross
Medium:Carved limestone
Geography: Acquired in Egypt
Date: about 300-400 AD
Period: Late Roman Imperial period
Object number: 910.152.1
Gallery Location:Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Gallery of Byzantium
DescriptionThe Byzantine Divine Liturgy was symbolic re-enactment of Christ's Incarnation, teachings, and sacrifice. This Great Mysterium - the redemption of humanity - unfolded in an elaborate church ceremony that included prayers, hymns, readings, processions, and lavish vestments. The ceremony involved the whole person, enlightening the mind and stimulating the senses so the worshipper would experience the Divine. Some of the important implements used in conjunction with the ceremony were patens and chalices to hold the bread and the wine of the Eucharist, spoons, processional crosses, censers for burning incense, and lamps for lighting. Bread stamps with various patterns were used to mark the bread. This particular stamp demonstrates a rear combination of both Jewish and Christian symbols.
