Processional cross

A processional cross is traditionally used during processions to celebrate certain feasts in the Church. It is mounted on a long staff or handle and carried at the head of the procession. It is symbolic of the fact that all Christians are followers of Christ and that Christ leads His Church. Every church possesses a processional cross of its own. It could be plain or elaborately decorated.
This processional cross, with trilobite ends to the arms and shaft, is made of silver on a wooden structure. The halo is shown in the centre of the Cross as a ring with a central point and four turned rays. The image of the crucified Christ, bearing a crown of thorns, is shown wearing a loin cloth tied up at the side.
The cross is placed on a long wooden pole, covered in silver. The place where the pole joins the cross consists of two hemispheres covered with decorative relief which includes seraphim and abundant stylized curling foliage imagery, alternating with full profiles of nagas (male) and naginas (female). The nagas and naginas are often present in 17th and 18th century Indo-Portuguese decoration, appearing in silverware, bedspread embroidery and even in furniture and altarpieces.