The unique finding in the monastery of Nekloni in Egypt

Archaeologists from the Institute of Archaeology, University of Warsaw and the Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology of the University of Warsaw have found four small crosses cast of lead and a round lead plaque with an Arabic inscription on both sides.

Deposit of votive objects was wrapped in a linen cloth. It consists of four small crosses cast of lead and a round lead plaque with an Arabic inscription on both sides (God is one, he did not beget, nor was he begotten.), which may be a fragment of the Sura 112, the manifest of Islamic but also Coptic monotheism. The crosses are richly decorated, with figural representations (crucifixion on one side and Virgin Mary on the other) and symbols on both sides. They were very carefully made using two different molds. Votive objects of this type are very rare in Coptic art. Their dating is based on the archaeological context inside this severely damaged room. They were manufactured most probably in the 10th century. The bundle also contained a small bell, attested in medieval iconography as an element of the outer garment of a bishop or priest and Late Antique horse trappings (Qustul).

Monastery of Nekloni in the oasis of Fayum was founded in the mid-fifth century as a large team of hermitage, forged in the mountain slopes. In the seventh century it was inhabited by 120 hermits. The monastery survived in modified form to our time, forgotten by the people and almost deserted. In 1986, the Polish mission began work on its territory inhabited by only two monks.

Find more about Naqlun site: http://www.pcma.uw.edu.pl