This particular reliquary, originating from the year 1450 CE, is a stunning example of medieval religious artistry. It was crafted to hold a relic associated with one of the Holy Innocents. The Holy Innocents are believed to be the young children who were tragically massacred in Bethlehem by King Herod in an attempt to eliminate the infant Jesus.
The reliquary itself is fashioned in the shape of a human foot, meticulously crafted from silver and adorned with a gilded sandal. The level of detail and realism in its design is quite extraordinary. Such reliquaries were often used in medieval Christian traditions to enshrine and venerate the remains or personal belongings of saints, martyrs, or individuals of great religious significance.
The reliquary serves as a testament to the deep religious devotion and artistic craftsmanship of the era, providing a tangible connection to the veneration of the Holy Innocents and the broader Christian faith during the medieval period.
Foot Reliquary from the Basel Minister treasury, originally dating from the year 1450.It is shaped like a foot as it was made to hold what were believed to be the foot bones of a victim murdered on the orders of King Herod.Made with Silver, copper, plated gold, mother of pearl, enamel, pearls, gemstones, and glass.I wish Converse would do this design