Elongated Latin Crucifix
Elongated Latin Crucifix

This broken, cast lead crucifix in the form of a Latin cross is over 6cm long. As this example depicts, the base stem of a Latin cross is longer than the three upper arms.

A low-relief figure of Christ is depicted at the top of the cross. He hangs beneath a plaque without text. A praying Virgin Mary appears below the feet of Christ. A third unidentified figure is below Mary. Toward the base of the stem is what may be a death’s head above crossed bones, representing immortality.

This enigmatic Catholic artifact is unusual both for the early 17th century and also because it was found at James Fort, an Anglican settlement. Perhaps an English settler wore it as a pilgrim badge when he came to Jamestown, or kept it as a family heirloom in a pocket as a talisman.