archaeological and textual records - eCommons@Cornell - Cornell ...

Figure 3. Ave Maria ring. Image taken from Wood 1974.
The IXXI type, also referred to as Ave Maria or “VM” rings, depict an overlap of the
initials V and M, which relate to the Virgin Mary. Other sources (University of
Missouri 2003) have referred to this as the “Double M” type and have suggested that
the 3 upper markings represent the nails used in the crucifixion.
Figure 4. Calvary ring. Image taken from University of Missouri, Museum of
Anthropology Online, 2009.
Crucifixion or Calvary rings, such as the one shown above depict Christ on the cross,
with Mary and other women kneeling below
Figure 5. Pieta ring. Image taken from Wood 1974.
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