Properties
| ID | 133182 |
|---|---|
| System Class | Bibliography |
| Bibliography | Inbook |
| Case Study | Beyond East and West: Sacred Landscapes Duklja and Raška |
Description
Danica Popović, Shrine of King Stefan Uroš III Dečanski, in: Byzantium. Faith and Power (1261-1557) (ed. Helen C. Evans, New York 2004) 114-115.
Relations
Artifacts (1)
| Name | Class | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Monastery of Dečani, Coffin-Reliquary (Sarcophagus) with the Relics of the Saint King Stefan Dečanski | Artifact | The coffin-reliquary with the relics of the Saint Serbian King Stefan Uroš III Dečanski (reigned 1321-1331) in the Monastery of Dečani represents the only surviving and hence particularly valuable medieval Serbian coffin-reliquary (sarcophagus). Its carved geometric, floral and zoomorphic ornaments finished by painting and gilding evoke the heavenly abode the Saint dwells in. From the standpoint of function, it is undoubtedly an object of the highest rank. Its shape and location – raised on tall legs beneath the Saint King's fresco portrait at the side of the iconostasis – not only materialised the Saint’s presence, but also enabled all permitted forms of veneration. In addition to the usual "see and touch", the custom of lying or pulling oneself under the coffin was and still is believed to be particularly benedictory. The royal relics have been perfectly preserved and therefore remain the foci of veneration to this day. |