Iron Ring, Resurrection Intaglio, ca. 9th-14th century

[Mayadigger]

Ave!

Iron Ring, Resurrection Intaglio, ca. 9th-14th century

Iron; 4.0gm / Ring size 13

Cast in one piece and then engraved

Seen in the photo, the bezel is inscribed with the small Greek letter tau. Throughout the Byzantine era and later, the tau was used to symbolize the life & resurrection of Jesus Christ. As to who wore this ring is moot; perhaps a churchman, a Crusader, or simply a devout Christian? Just surmising, the band is so large it was more than likely worn over a glove?

Such iron signet rings are rather scarce as they tend to corrode after centuries in the earth.