The reliquary with the relic of Saint John the Forerunner’s right arm is today kept in the crypt of the Chapel of St John the Baptist in the Cathedral of Siena. The foundation charter of the Monastery of Žiča shows that the Serbian King Stefan Prvovenčani (reigned 1196-1227) and his son, the later Serbian King Stefan Radoslav (reigned 1228-1233), bestowed some of the most highly venerated Christian relics upon it, among which is the above-mentioned relic with the ultimate purpose to transfer the image of the Holy Land to Serbia, and in that way secure sacral legitimacy for the young kingdom. Later, in 1464 the Despot of Morea Thomas Palaiologos brought it with him to Siena, along with some other precious possessions, and turned it over to Pope Pius II (1458-1464) in exchange for a remarkable recompense.
The relic consists of the embalmed, excellently preserved forearm and hand. The original cylindrical silver-gilt reliquary, clearly distinguishable from the later 15th century one, is decorated with filigree ornaments, gemstones and rows of pearls. In terms of style and craftsmanship, it finds closest analogies in the work of Byzantine goldsmiths of the 10th to 12th centuries.The waist-length portrait of Saint John the Baptist incised in the middle of its domical lid is encircled by the donor’s prayerful inscription: The Forerunner’s right arm. Protect me, Sava, Serbian Archbishop.
Based on analogies from the Byzantine world, it seems very likely that the relic was used on important state and church occasions. The relic enjoys the status of a highly venerated cult object ever since.