4.   Free-standing Stone Cross, Kuravilangad
Date unknown: circa 1599, but possibly based on pre-Portuguese models
Kerala, India
Ricci 4  KP India 06 240

The Franciscan Fra Giovanni da Marignolli, who stayed in Quilon around 1347 on his return to Europe from Zayton (Quanzhou) in South China, informs us that he erected a large stone cross mounted on a marble pillar and consecrated it with oil. It is unclear whether the tradition of erecting high crosses in Kerala was already established before Western Christians arrived. The pedestal is decorated with a lotus petal design and has a system for recycling burning coconut oil.

The tall, free-standing crosses were normally located in the precinct of a church on the west end of the building. On certain festival days, local Christians roll themselves along the ground towards these crosses.