The Temple Pyx is a mid 12th century
medieval bronze gilt
plaque, suggested as German in origin (although it was discovered in the
Temple Church in London). It is currently a part of the
Burrell Collection in
Glasgow,
Scotland.
It is a beautiful example of
High Medieval
The High Middle Ages, or High Medieval Period, was the period of European history that lasted from AD 1000 to 1300. The High Middle Ages were preceded by the Early Middle Ages and were followed by the Late Middle Ages, which ended around AD 1500 ...
metalwork and gives excellent detail of the arms, armour and
architecture of the
Norman period. It features three
Romanesque arches above each soldier.
The soldiers all wield swords and spears,
conical nasal helms,
teardrop kite shields with center
boss, shin length
maille hauberk
A hauberk or byrnie is a shirt of mail. The term is usually used to describe a shirt reaching at least to mid-thigh and including sleeves. Haubergeon ("little hauberk") generally refers to the quilted undergarment used with a hauberk, but the terms ...
s, shoulder to foot
tunics (no doubt shorter
gambesons sandwiched in between) and pointed shoes. This suggests that the estimated date of 1150 is incorrect as by the 12th century kite shields already began to lose their rounded tops and bosses (but not entirely until the 13th century), maille hauberks shortened to knee or thigh length and helmets soon evolved into kalotas (early
great helm) by losing their conical tops and eventually harnessing faceplates instead of noseguards.
It is assumed these figures represent part of the Holy Sepulchre; these soldiers stood guard asleep and with backs turned to the resurrection. Another theory is these are King Herod's soldiers, who didn't realize St Peter was escaping from prison. Despite being found in the Temple Church, it doesn't necessarily have religious significance, but it is assumed that it was a shrine decoration.
The Wallace Collection
BBC's 'A History of the World' regarding the Temple Pyx mentions that "Several similar pieces are recorded, and it seems likely that they all originally formed part of a shrine". The
Wallace Collection of London hosts a matching piece in bronze of a lone Norman soldier. The likeness of this figure resembles the Temple Pyx so closely it is most likely made by the same person.
Further reading
Pitt Rivers Museum: Temple Pyx
External links
BBC - A History of the World: Temple Pyx
* ttp://www.mondes-normands.caen.fr/angleterre/archeo/Angleterre/metal/temple.htm Mondes Normands: Temple Pyxbr>Archeology UK: Temple Pyx
Bronzeware