Rheinisches Landesmuseum, Bonn

Crosses carved on the narrow side of the Moselkern Stele, one of the most puzzling (and fascinating) objects in the Rheinischen Landesmuseum's collection. It was found in 1915 in a cemetery near Moselkern (Kreis Cochem-Zell). The stone is believed to have been made in a Rhenish workshop in the 7th century AD.

That it is a Christian monument is certain. In the upper section a Crucifix is carved out; above it appears a large human face and arms, which wrap around the cross and seem to hold the hands of the crucified Christ. Does the larger figure represent Christ himself, who triumphs over the cross? Or God the Father, who holds the cross with the Crucifixion in the "Throne of Mercy" motif? But such imagery is seen only in the High Middle Ages, many centuries after this stone was made. Puzzling, indeed.