Pouch-shaped Reliquary from the Treasure of St. Dionysius' Abbey of Enger/Herford

This reliquary in the form of a purse (Latin: bursa) ranks among the most significant medieval examples of the goldsmith’s art. On the front, twelve stones are arranged around a thirteenth central stone to create a double cross. Images of plants and animals, representing some of the earliest examples of western European gold cloisonné enamel, complement the number symbolism and the symbol of the cross. In the context of Christian iconography the stylized birds, fish, and reptiles embody the Creation, representing the air, the water, and the land. Because it came from the collegiate church in Enger, allegedly founded by Widukind, this purse reliquary has been assumed to be one of the gifts with which Charlemagne (r. 768–814) is reported to have honoured the conquered Saxon leader on the occasion of the latter’s baptism in 785.