The Investigation of the Medieval Russian Bronze Reliquary Cross Pendant Using a Complex of Nondestructive Methods

Abstract

The medieval Russian bronze reliquary cross pendant was investigated using a complex of nondestructive methods in order to determine the degree its integrity and identify the material filling its internal cavity. The metal composition is established. It is found that the cross material was subjected to spatially inhomogeneous corrosion and that the cavity is filled with soil. It is shown that application of complementary nondestructive methods provides the most reliable information on historical heritage objects.