Wood Shield with Calvary Cross and Anchors

Wood Shield measures 14.75" tall and 12" wide

The anchor was an early Christian symbol commonly found in the Roman catacombs as a symbol of the hope we have in Christ beyond this life, and is a fitting inscription for a Christian tomb. The symbol doubtless comes from this verse:

"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek." (Hebrews 6:19-20)

The anchor is found in the first century cemetery of St. Domitilla, the second and third century epitaphs of the catacombs, and especially in the oldest parts of the cemeteries of Sts. Priscilla (about 70 examples in this cemetery alone), Domitilla, Calixtus, and the Coemetarium majus.