Votive Eye

Creator

Preview

Creation Date

ca. 1840

Culture

Greek, Orthodox

Medium

Silver

Dimensions

1 5/16 x 2 5/8 in.

Credit Line

Bequest of David P. Harris ('46), 2020

Accession Number

2020.152

Provenance

Purchased from Iconastas, London, on October 24, 1992.

Description

This silver votive (tama; pl. tamata) is in the shape of a human eye. A small hole at the upper end allows it to be hung at a holy site. Christian votives in the shape of body parts is part of a long tradition that dates to the Early Byzantine period.

This votive features an Ottoman Tughra control stamp to the right of the pupil.

See also 2020.151.