Russian Bronze Cross Pendant

Slim cross with a hanging loop, packed with tiny lettered panels.

This cross pendant from Novgorod is from Novgorod, Russia, and dates to the late 17th or early 18th century. It is bronze. Small bronze crosses were generally cast in molds and worn on a cord, a practice that was widespread among Orthodox Christians in Russia. Narrow pendant cross with a single looped top and a smaller cross cast in relief down its center. Lettered panels crowd the arms and the head. The surface is a matte, rubbed gray with some dark pitting. It is 1 inches long and 2 high.

A lot of lettering for such a small object.