Above: A charm bracelet from the 1940's.
Used throughout history and across many cultures - pagans, Celtics, Christians and Native cultures have all been drawn to this icon as reflected in their art, jewellery, architecture, religious iconography, textiles and even pottery.
Mary Emmerling, a noted collector and contributor to numerous magazines in the United States as well as being the author of 20 books, fell in love with crosses over twenty years ago. She has collections of crosses throughout her homes and her book, The Art of the Cross which was published in 2006 by Ancient City Press shows some of her own collections along with other examples of crosses throughout the southern United States. It is beautifully photographed by Jim Arndt and all the images on this post today are taken from her book.
She has homes in Santa Fe, New Mexico and Phoenix, Arizona so much of the images she has captured in her book are reflected by the regional art and colours.
Mary loves cowboy boots - these were custom made by Rocketbuster and adorned with crosses made of Swarovski crystals.
Above: A Navajo cross pendant with turquoise. Middle: Hanging French filigreed silver heart with cross on top. Right: Modern gold-on-silver belt buckle with cross in centre. Below: Contemporary silver concho with cross in middle.
Two pairs of Native moccasins with beaded cross designs.
A modern 'Day of the Dead' sterling silver cross necklace with turquoise. Influenced by the Mexican culture, 'Day of the Dead' art is prevalent throughout the southern states bordering on Mexico.
A natural wood saint with a ball in hand, wearing an antique rosary.
St. Francis Cathedral in Sante Fe, New Mexico.
most fascinating
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