Paperweight with the tree of life

Description

Coptic bread stamp of the 6th-11th centuries A.D. with a representation of the tree of life. Stamping bread is a custom going back to Graeco-Roman times and still continuing today. It was first used for votive offerings in pagan sanctuaries, later for the conserated bread in the Christian communion service. The tree of life motif is common to the civilizations of the Eastern Mediterranean. The triangular objects hanging from the branches, the fruits and the fish may be interpreted as occult Christian symbols and often occur on coptic stamps. Inv. No 10982
Gold-plated copper replica on a marble base.

Size

8.5 x 8.5 cm

Product code

arconst-91