Silver Reliquary Pendant Featuring The "agnus Dei" (lamb Of God), 17th Century

A magnificent pendantmade of silver from the 17th century or earlier, in very good condition, adorned with an engraving ofthe Lamb of God on one side and the inscription "IHS" on the other.

It was discovered in Delft, the Netherlands. AgnusDei pendants were worn as amulets against evil and for protectionduring pregnancy and childbirth.The Paschal Lamb (from the Hebrew Pessah, meaning “Passover”) is associatedwith the Jewish festival of Passover and the story of the Exodus in the Old Testament. According tothe Bible, God helped the Israelites escape slavery in Egypt byinflicting various plagues upon the Egyptians. To protect them from the tenth plague, Godcommanded them to sacrifice a lamb and mark their doorways, doors, and doorpostswith its blood. The plague passed over the marked houses, and the Israeliteswere spared.

Height: 2.5 cmWidth: 1.7 cm