The Lithuanian cross: birth and restoration to life

ENThe Latin type (Christian) cross came to Lithuania in 9th-15th century, however as a symbol it was used even in the Old Stone Age. Neglecting interdictions, crosses and other sacred monuments were erected by the roadsides, farmsteads, in the cemeteries and churchyards during the ages. Iron crosses are found as grave crosses and tops of the stem monuments. They have been carried out either by forging, or by casting, with various decorations, sometimes with Crucifixes. The latter can be made of another metal. All the time kept in the open air they have been badly damaged by environment - corroded and broken. In the conservation laboratory they undergo the common treatment applied for iron objects, however their size and weight sometimes arise some problems. Variety of wooden crosses is great from the simplest "krikštai", till the roofed pillar-type crosses and pillar-type crosses. They are carved of wood and often painted. The painting in most cases has been fulfilled in the same manner, using the similar materials. The monuments, which were kept in the open air, have been badly damaged, with the total losses of polychrome, so the restoration of the latter is impossible: the conservation treatment just follows the purpose to protect the remnants and prevent the following decay.