| Egyptian Journal of Archeological and Restoration StudiesCONSECRATION SEALS IN COPTIC ARCHITECTURE FROM THE 5TH CENTURY TO THE 12TH CENTURY AD: ARCHAEOLOGICAL, HISTORICAL AND COMPARATIVE STUDY
Document Type: Original Article
DOI: 10.21608/ejars.2024.396699
pages: 293-305
Hemimy, W. 1 , Hamed, D. 2 , Attia, O. 1 & Samuel, E. 1
1 Islamic archaeology dep., Faculty of Archaeology, Luxor Univ., Luxor, Egypt
2 Islamic archaeology dep., Faculty of Arts, Kafr El-Shaikh Univ., Kafr El- Shaikh, Egypt
Abstract:
This paper aims simply at the consecration and inauguration of Coptic and Christian religious facilities by placing the sign of the cross inside a circle on the walls. This idea was invented by the Copts, who drew or engraved circular seals on the walls as an imitation of the seals used on documents and correspondence. The purpose is to declare that the place has officially become dedicated to God, consecrated, and sacred. Just as a seal legitimizes a document or correspondence, the consecration seal legitimizes the building, signifying the obligation to pray there with the permission of the bishop, the pope, or the abbot of the monastery. This applies to both the church, the monastery, and the monastic congregations spread inside caves and grottoes.
Keywords:
Coptic Art Consecration seals Dedication Cross Mandorla Triumphal
Statistics :
Article views: 27
PDF Downloads: 13