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8. “Persian” Cross, North Altar of Church, Valiapally (Varapoly)
Circa 8th-9th century CE
Kerala, India
Ricci 8 KP Ricci Inst 021
The Pahlavi (Middle Persian) inscription around the arch over the cross has been translated to read: My Lord Christ, have mercy upon Afrās son of Chahārbukht, the Syrian, who cut this. The inscription is not dated, but the style of the letters suggests the eighth or ninth century. Note that the leaves at the base of the cross are downward pointing.
The title “Persian cross” (or “Nestorian cross”) is often given to these leafed crosses, because their style is believed to have come from Persian and West Asia; the symbol is also found in both Byzantine and European art of the medieval period.
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