Reliquary c. 1500

This is an anonymous reliquary made from ivory and silver. Reliquaries like this one were made to safeguard and venerate sacred relics, often the remains or personal objects of saints. Built to inspire awe and reverence, it’s hard to look at this object without also wondering, what’s inside? Who gets access? What beliefs are inscribed in the very architecture of this box? Ivory, often sourced through colonial exploitation, brings to the surface questions of cultural exchange, power dynamics, and ethical concerns. The use of expensive materials like ivory and silver was intended to reflect the spiritual value of the relic, but it also speaks volumes about the hierarchies of power in the Church. This object is a potent reminder of the intertwined relationships between faith, power, and colonial history.