Absolution cross and funeral pot

Historical Background

In the Middle Ages, these crosses were placed on the dead, both in France and England, along with a funeral pot.

They have the shape of the Maltese cross and remember quite well the consecration crosses and crosses of cemeteries in 12th century.

There is reason to believe they were the formula of absolution pronounced by the priest to the patient receiving the sacrament of Extreme Unction.

Found in Bouteilles by abbot Cochet. 12th century

For further details :

Favreau/Michaud. Corpus des inscriptions de la France Médiévale. 2003. N° 246 p 323

Absolution cross

From Bouteilles, 1857

Lead

12^{th c.}

Musée départemental des antiquités, Rouen – Inv. 2006.0.628

Funeral pot

From Rouen, 1869

Glazed earthenware

13^th – 14^th c.

Musée départemental des antiquités, Rouen. – Inv. 1691.6 (D)

Bouteilles, Rouen

1857

Rouen – Musée départemental des antiquités

Inv. 2006.0.628

Middle Ages

Politic and military links

Location

Rouen – Musée départemental des antiquités