Byzantine Pilgrimage Objects - Phenomenon of Sacred Artifacts or Contemporary Reality?

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Qual-at Sem-an © Thomas Roth 2003

As fascinating as we may find a slab of stone, an object  or a painting from the past, these objects we study as art historians or archaeologists may seem irrelevant or even trivial to someone with no connection to the specific culture.  While we can wax lyrical about the iconography or the theories related to a work of art, to someone with no knowledge, interest or cultural memory of the object of our admiration, these might sound like peculiar ramblings.  Being able to engage with a work of art on a personal level, however, can have the ability to change one's perception of the significance of these artifacts.  But, since the vast majority of artifacts remaining from the past represent the lives and concerns of the privileged classes, this can be cause for further impediment to this engagement. Ironically, while studying Byzantine pilgrimage objects, I have come to consider the phenomenon of early Christian pilgrimage objects, as an occurrence that has the potential to transcend centuries and reach the souls of a vast audience of people no matter what their religious affiliations or cultural background.