18th Century Missionary Crucifix Cross with Instruments of the Passion in Shipwreck Silver or Bronze

This Double-Sided Spanish Missionary Cross Teaches as It Inspires

Please Note: This item includes a black leather necklace in your choice of lengths!

The original from which this cross was cast is an 18th Century Mission Cross  made in Spain and unearthed in Mexico.

It is special in that it served two purposes: first, it was used as a gift for Native Americans in hopes of conversion, and second, after conversion, the powerful symbols on the Cross aided in teaching new Christians about the atonement of Christ through the “Instruments of the Passion.” Sometimes called the weapons of Christ, these Instruments of the Passion were used by Christ to conquer Satan and the sins of the world.

Your Mission Cross:

• Size: 1" Across, 1 3/4" Tall
• Original Artifact Date: circa 1700
• Metal: Bronze or Shipwreck Silver -click here to learn more about our blend of 4 shipwreck's silver treasure that is in this pendant

Look closely on the side of the Cross that bears the inscription “MISSION,” and you will note the following symbols:

• Crown of Thorns: the pain and suffering of Christ that overcame sin
• Hammer: used to drive the nails into Christ’s hands and feet
• Whip: used for the 39 lashes
• Rooster: the cock that crowed after Peter’s third denial of Christ
• Holy Sponge on a Reed: contained the vinegar that was offered to Christ
• Holy Lance: used by a Roman soldier to inflict the final of the Five Wounds of Christ
• Ladder: used for the Deposition (the removal of Christ’s body from the cross)
• Nails: used to inflict four wounds on Christ’s hands and feet

By displaying these symbols, Catholic priests could connect to their converts, explaining the key doctrine of Christ’s atonement, and his sacrifice for all man’s sins.

On the other side of this cross is a haloed Christ on the Cross with the letters INRI (on a Titulus Crucis), an abbreviation for the Latin: Iesus Nazarenus, Rex Iudaeorum. In English: “Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews,” posted on the cross by order of the Roman procurator, Pontius Pilate. The skull under the feet of Christ is the Momento Mori -representing the mortality of man - and to reming the wearer that while earthly pleasures die away, salvation through Christ is eternal.

Shipwreck Silver

The silver version of this cross is cast with our exclusive blend of shipwreck silver from four shipwrecks: Atocha - 1622, the 1715 Fleet, Le Chameu - 1725 and Santa Leocadia - 1800. To read about how we blend our authentic shipwreck silver, where the treasure came from, and the history of these shipwrecks, check out Robert's Blog "Shipwreck Silver - the Story Behind the Story."

Of Special Note: Our exclusive Empires Collection features Museum-Quality Castings that are produced by hand, in the USA, and to exacting standards, creating jewelry pieces that are amazingly faithful to the original artifact.  Each is hand-finished here in the studio - toned, hand-rubbed and polished - making the best of ancient art affordable and wearable for a life-time.

Your Empires Collection Pendant Comes Complete with:

1. A Detailed, Two Page Historic Brief Researched and Written by Robert Lewis Knecht
2. A Black Leather Necklace with 2" Extender in the Length of Your Choice
3. A Linen Gift Pouch
4. A Treasure Jewelry Care Card

For our Collection of Chains for Men and Woman Click Here>