Crux Ansata Remarks on the Meaning of the Symbol and its Use on Coptic Funerary Stelae
Muc, Agnieszka (Warszawa)
Studies in Ancient Art and Civilization, vol.12, Kraków (2008)
Abstract
Among the symbols that are connected with Christianity in an obvious way, cross is undoubtedly the first one that needs to be mentioned. During the first three centuries the new religion existed this symbol was not commonly and openly used (among others due to persecution). Other symbols were popular at that time, among which we may mention a fish, anchor or Christ’s monograms. Once the cross was a common feature of Christian iconography, he took on miscellaneous graphic forms. Multiple shapes derived among others from local traditions – a graphic motif resembling a cross was known in many cultures before the Christian times. As an example we may mention swastika (crux gammata) or crux commissa, also called St. Anthony’s cross. A very interesting and significant example of adopting earlier symbols by the followers of Christ is the presence of so called crux ansata (“cross with a handle”) in the symbolic of Egyptian Christians.
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