AE Byzantine pendant. Tetramorph Cherubim (c. AD 12th century)
In his famous vision, the prophet Ezekiel describes four cherubim, each with four faces—of a human being, a lion, an ox and an eagle; each with four wings with human hands underneath; and each with eyes all around (Ezekiel 10:1-22). During the Byzantine period, depictions of Cherubim were often used in religious architectural decorations. This pendant, missing its loop, is a very rare example depicting Ezekiel’s celestial creature, the Cherubim.
Weight: 27.47 g.
Diameter: 58.50 mm.