Reliquary Cross with Niello from the Upper Dzulat Hillfort in North Ossetia

The present paper deals with the results of the study of manufacturing technique and metal chemical composition carried out for encolpia nielloed cross dated to the end of the 12th – early 13th from the North Caucasus. Analytical results were obtained with a scanning electron microscope equipped with micro ED-XRF in low-vacuum conditions. An eightpointed cross filled with niello was depicted on the survive valve of encolpia. The Christ letter monograms encrusted with niello were made on the cross rounded terminals. Reliquary cross could have been cast in piece-mould made by the impression of previously made encolpia valve. High-tin gunmetal (Sn –17,5%) was used for encolpia production. Recessions for niello were made by casting and left without further treatment. Niello composition comprises copper, tin, and lead sulfides. Sulfur content obtained for several samples exceed 30%. The copper-based niello was more available and cheaper than silver-based composition. It has been widely used for production of the Old Russian pectoral crosses cast of bronze or brass. Manufacturing technique, metal composition, and peculiar niello recipe put encolpia cross from the Upper Dzulat hillfort on a par with widespread Old Russian reliquary crosses dated to the 12th – 13th centuries. There were prestigious but serial items made of cheap copper alloys decorated with cheap niello made without silver. The Old Russian origin of encolpia from the North Caucasus proves by the long list of analogies from the territories of Ukraine, Crimea, Bryansk, Suzdal and Ryazan Lands.