reliquary
Sacred remains container
A reliquary is a container for sacred relics—typically bones, clothing, or objects associated with saints or religious figures.
These vessels range from simple boxes to elaborate jeweled shrines, designed to house and display items believed to hold spiritual power.
Medieval churches competed to acquire relics and commission ornate reliquaries to attract pilgrims.
Burial container
- chestRibcage region or strongbox
- boxLidded storage container
- cofferSecure valuables container
- shrineSacred devotional place
vessel · repository · receptacle · case · capsule · compartment · enclosure · holder
Sacred ritual table
- tabernaclePortable sacred dwelling
- sanctuaryProtected sacred space
- sacristyChurch storage and preparation room
- chapelSmall worship room
cathedral · basilica · abbey · monastery · crypt · nave · chancel · apse
Canonized religious figures
- pilgrimageReligious journey to shrine
- devotionDeep, loyal commitment
- miraclesSupernatural extraordinary events
- faithfulConsistently loyal and true
blessed · worship · reverence · intercession · healing · prayer · venerate · homage
Overlaid with gold leaf
- enamelHard glossy coating
- filigreeDelicate twisted-wire ornamentation
- jeweledDecorated with gems
- ornateElaborately decorated
goldsmith · silverwork · gemstones · crystal · ivory · metalwork · engraved · embossed
Of the Middle Ages
- antiquityGreat age, ancient era
- archaeologyStudy of physical remnants
- monasteryReligious seclusion dwelling
- excavationAct of unearthing
preservation · conservation · provenance · crusades · translation · theft · looting · authentication
casket
Burial container
shrine · vessel · repository · receptacle · case · capsule · compartment · enclosure · holder · chamber
altar
Sacred ritual table
- tabernaclePortable sacred dwelling
- sanctuaryProtected sacred space
- sacristyChurch storage and preparation room
chapel · cathedral · basilica · abbey · monastery · crypt · nave · chancel · apse · treasury
saints
Canonized religious figures
- pilgrimageReligious journey to shrine
- devotionDeep, loyal commitment
- miraclesSupernatural extraordinary events
faithful · blessed · worship · reverence · intercession · healing · prayer · venerate · homage · adoration
gilded
Overlaid with gold leaf
ornate · goldsmith · silverwork · gemstones · crystal · ivory · metalwork · engraved · embossed · inlaid
medieval
Of the Middle Ages
- antiquityGreat age, ancient era
- archaeologyStudy of physical remnants
- monasteryReligious seclusion dwelling
excavation · preservation · conservation · provenance · crusades · translation · theft · looting · authentication · forgery
bones
Rigid internal support structure
hair · tooth · blood · splinter · ashes · skull · finger · vial · shroud · nail
- churchnave, pew, pews, altar, altars
- medievalknights, castles, cathedral, kings, queens
- medieval itemssword, mace, flail, dagger, crossbow
- royal treasurescrown jewels, imperial crown, royal regalia, imperial regalia, regalia
- Gaelic Irelandhigh king, Book of Kells, Tara, druid, chieftain
- abbey featuresabbey, cloister, chapter house, refectory, scriptorium
reliquarytrash can
Container for refuse
dumpster · garbage bin · landfill · wastebasket · dustbin
reliquarymass grave
Shared burial for many
potter's field · unmarked grave · incinerator · landfill · body bag