Antique French Hand Carved Mother of Pearl Crucifix

Beautiful antique French hand-carved Mother-of-Pearl (MOP) crucifix. This is a religious artifact often associated with the artisanal heritage of the Holy Land, specifically Bethlehem.  Mother-of-pearl carving was introduced to Bethlehem by Franciscan monks in the 15th century. It became a signature craft for local artisans using shells sourced from the Red Sea. In Christian tradition, Mother of Pearl symbolizes purity, peace, and quiet protection. Its iridescent glow is often used to represent divine light and grace. Historically, these carvings were created as unique tokens for pilgrims visiting the Holy Land. These pieces were carved from natural nacre (Mother of Pearl), known for its iridescent finish and durability. The piece features an integrated, hand-carved figure of Christ (corpus), rather than an applied metal one, which is common in higher-end or unique artisanal versions. This was probably part of a small pendant, which was traditionally used as a necklace charm or as part of a rosary. The cross measures 1.8" x 1.1" and is in magnificent condition.