The anchor pictured
above appears like a typical anchor, with two bars positioned horizontally. The
first bar is curved, as a typical anchor would be. However, the second end is
straight, and if inverted, would be reminiscent of a cross. This gravestone was
found in the Catacombs of Priscilla, adorning the front of the grave of a
Christian, and due to its presence in this catacomb, it was probably made
around 200 or 300 CE.
This artifact, while simple, demonstrates much about the cultural time period that it came from. To begin, it demonstrates the values that were prevalent to the ancient Christians. The anchor demonstrated the concept of being hope the deceased has by being anchored in Christ. Christian faith is the path to salvation, and by basing one’s life in Christ, that person could be held secure against the powers trying to keep it from heaven. This would be especially easy to interpret for the ancient Christians. The culture of the time was familiar with nautical devices. Just as a sturdy anchor can keep a boat from floating away in the midst of a torrential storm, so too will faith in Christ help the deceased to make it through the struggles of life.
Aside from demonstrating the values of the deceased, the anchor also helps conserve those values for those who grieve the deceased. Instead of worrying about the eternity that their loved one could potentially face, the anchor represents the strong faith of the deceased. If it helped that person attain salvation, it could provide solace to that person’s surviving family members, and encourage any visitor to embrace Christianity, in hopes of attaining salvation as well. Therefore, the witness of the deceased provides an adequate example for visitors yet to come, and helps promote the values of Christianity throughout the generations.
The analysis of this artifact agrees with course material about that time period. In the class PowerPoint on Early Christian Art, the anchor was used as a symbol of hope and of being anchored in Christ. In addition to the earlier parallels drawn with the anchor, it could also be used as a Crucifix, demonstrating the death of Christ that brought paid the price for salvation. That provides yet another example of how the anchor could show the deceased’s hope in Christ, and also provide that same hope to those who visit the grave.
Literature from this time period also demonstrates similar cultural values to what the artifact describes. In the Epistle of St. Ignatius of Antioch to St. Polycarp, a Ignatius, a Bishop of the Church, encourages Polycarp as he approaches his martyrdom by saying “I am so well pleased that your mind is fixed on God, firmly built, as it were, upon an immovable rock.” While not specifically speaking of the anchor, Ignatius lauds Polycarp for being firm in his belief. Similar language would also be used in speaking of being anchored. As an anchor would catch on a strong rock, so is Polycarp’s anchor caught on Christ Jesus. As such, he could easily have described his faith with an image of an anchor. The cultural values seen in the image of the anchor strongly echo those found in this letter to St. Polycarp.
Ultimately, the anchor, as a symbol of hope and security in Christ shows that the Christian community was in the process of strengthening their faith. The Church did not need lukewarm believers, but instead those who would live and die for the faith. The anchor, as a symbol of holding on tight to Jesus, promoted that ideal, in celebration of those dead who believed that they achieved it, and as an inspiration to those who would see it in the catacombs.
Picture Credit: John Paul Sevcik
This artifact, while simple, demonstrates much about the cultural time period that it came from. To begin, it demonstrates the values that were prevalent to the ancient Christians. The anchor demonstrated the concept of being hope the deceased has by being anchored in Christ. Christian faith is the path to salvation, and by basing one’s life in Christ, that person could be held secure against the powers trying to keep it from heaven. This would be especially easy to interpret for the ancient Christians. The culture of the time was familiar with nautical devices. Just as a sturdy anchor can keep a boat from floating away in the midst of a torrential storm, so too will faith in Christ help the deceased to make it through the struggles of life.
Aside from demonstrating the values of the deceased, the anchor also helps conserve those values for those who grieve the deceased. Instead of worrying about the eternity that their loved one could potentially face, the anchor represents the strong faith of the deceased. If it helped that person attain salvation, it could provide solace to that person’s surviving family members, and encourage any visitor to embrace Christianity, in hopes of attaining salvation as well. Therefore, the witness of the deceased provides an adequate example for visitors yet to come, and helps promote the values of Christianity throughout the generations.
The analysis of this artifact agrees with course material about that time period. In the class PowerPoint on Early Christian Art, the anchor was used as a symbol of hope and of being anchored in Christ. In addition to the earlier parallels drawn with the anchor, it could also be used as a Crucifix, demonstrating the death of Christ that brought paid the price for salvation. That provides yet another example of how the anchor could show the deceased’s hope in Christ, and also provide that same hope to those who visit the grave.
Literature from this time period also demonstrates similar cultural values to what the artifact describes. In the Epistle of St. Ignatius of Antioch to St. Polycarp, a Ignatius, a Bishop of the Church, encourages Polycarp as he approaches his martyrdom by saying “I am so well pleased that your mind is fixed on God, firmly built, as it were, upon an immovable rock.” While not specifically speaking of the anchor, Ignatius lauds Polycarp for being firm in his belief. Similar language would also be used in speaking of being anchored. As an anchor would catch on a strong rock, so is Polycarp’s anchor caught on Christ Jesus. As such, he could easily have described his faith with an image of an anchor. The cultural values seen in the image of the anchor strongly echo those found in this letter to St. Polycarp.
Ultimately, the anchor, as a symbol of hope and security in Christ shows that the Christian community was in the process of strengthening their faith. The Church did not need lukewarm believers, but instead those who would live and die for the faith. The anchor, as a symbol of holding on tight to Jesus, promoted that ideal, in celebration of those dead who believed that they achieved it, and as an inspiration to those who would see it in the catacombs.
Picture Credit: John Paul Sevcik