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| 12th century icon of Virgin Orans in the Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kiev. Notice the embroidered cloth or towel on the belt. |
12th Century Icon wearing an embroidered cloth.
In my ongoing quest to find the elusive extant piece of Ukrainian Embroidery from period (before it became more of a folk art) Here's one example on a 12th century icon in Kiev wearing a fringed embroidered cloth with a cross on it.
Yes, it is a cross, however the cross is also a symbol of the sun and masculinity which makes this image particularly intriguing to me. Pagan culture was still practiced during the 12th century, perhaps this usage of symbolism was as an image of religion and nothing more or perhaps a way to bridge the message of Christianity to the Pagan world as well. In pre-Christian times the cross also served as a talisman against evil spirits. Two lines intersecting symbolize the meeting of the Earth and Heaven, and the equal arms portray the harmony of the four elements. I would love to know what the painter of this icon was trying to say by adding the embroidered cloth with the cross.