What is the origin of this cross?
(Puzzle 007)
Norman? Saxon? Both? Neither?
Curved cross
We noticed this Curved Cross when looking at the Bayeux tapestry (the 11th century cartoon strip telling the story of the Norman invasion of Saxon England) and wondered; is the cross style Norman? Saxon? Both? Neither?
And what is the meaning of the curvature? The caricature and surreal nature of the tapestry shows exaggerated poses of the warriors and we do not know whether the curved arms of the cross are accurate and significant. (The arrows and lances are shown as straight lines, even when they are flying through the air.) If there is significance, what is it?
On the assumption that this is a Christian cross, were the bends or twists to represent the contorted body of Jesus in agony on the cross? Or were they curved to distract the opponent in a fight. If you have a theory, please let us know through the feedback box below.
Click image to enlarge
Click image to enlarge
The Curved Cross can be seen on the shield hanging from the stern of the Norman boat crossing the Channel to Hastings. The Normans attacked on horseback and favoured the kite-shaped shields which protected their legs. The Curved Cross therefore can be assumed to be a Norman design.
The Curved Cross is pattéed and there are clear similarities with the Lauburu and the Swastika. It is a Wavy Cross; not that we are suggesting it was particularly chosen for seafarers. The cross arms undulate, hence the heraldic names Undé Cross (also spelt Onde, Oundy and Oundé). However, this tapestry was made at least one hundred years before heraldic symbols were common and this invasion was not part of any Christian religious crusade - both Normans and Saxons claimed that Christ was on their side.
Click image to enlarge
In the picture on the right we see King Harold, with a distinctive Saxon moustache, plucking the arrow from his eye. Harold was the English king, so what is he doing with a Norman shield? The Saxons (although they used horses to reach the battle field) fought on foot and used round shields. Is Harold carrying his own shield, or a shield captured from a Norman?
Was it common for the victor to take and use defensive items from the vanquished? Or would such items have been deemed to be ineffective?
Nobody knows who embroidered the 70 metre (230 foot) long Bayeux tapestry, but it was probably done in England by an Anglo-Saxon artist or seamstress. Did the artist make a mistake by giving Harold a Norman cross? The artist is no more likely to have been on the battle-field than Queen Matilda or whoever commissioned the work, and the Curved Cross design could be Saxon which was copied to the Norman shields in the tapestry, or a Norman pattern which was copied to the Saxon shields.
Or ...
Tell us what you think this cross is (using the box below). Norman? Saxon? Both? Neither? And what is the significance of the curves?
(see also Bent Cross and Norman Cross)
Enter your ideas in the boxes above, or email info@seiyaku.com if you prefer.
