These antique Cross is from the 1800’s; most likely made sometime around 1850-1860. It is unique that inside the silver cross there is another one; Steer Bull Tendon (Sinew) Cross.

The silver cross is not made from high quality silver, but it is still very valuable because the content made from is not important, the antique is.

The uniqueness of the Steer Bull Tendon (Sinew) Cross is: what the content is made from, how it was made, and the purpose it was made for. 

The Cross is made from steer bull tendon (sinew).

The process of making this type of Cross is as follows: the steer bull tendon (sinew) is boiled until it softens.  After it softens, the images are implanted on both sides of the Cross.

It is known that these types of Crosses were made by monks living in the Bulgarian monasteries.  The monks were making these Crosses with the intention of selling them to gain income for the monastery. 

The images shown on the Steer Bull Tendon (Sinew) Cross are: on one side is the image of the Crucifixion, and on the other side is Holy Mother with Baby Jesus.

                                               Different angel of the Cross

      Left side image of Crucifixion, right side image of Holy Mother with Baby Jesus