What Do Reliquaries Do for Relics?
Cynthia Hahn
Abstract This article introduces prominent issues that surround the Christian use of reliquaries, first discussing examples from Trier made by renowned Archbishop Egbert in tenth century, then turning to early texts investigate beginnings relic practice and belief. Of special interest are letters poems Paulinus Nola, but also commentaries Augustine, Ambrose, Victricius Rouen others flesh out an understanding how reliquaries were essential project creating appropriate reverentia for relics (Peter Brown's term). The materiality their creation social relations, particular enclosure beauty, questions potential visibility given consideration.
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