reliquary

religious shrine

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

reliquary bust Reliquary bust of a female saint, oak, paint, and gilding, South Netherlandish, c. 1520–30; in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City.

A reliquary is a container or shrine that holds religious relics. These relics are typically the mortal remains of saints, such as bones or teeth, or objects that were in contact with them, like hair or clothing. Reliquaries vary greatly in size, material, and form, often reflecting the nature of the relic they house. They can be fixed or portable, allowing them to be carried in processions or on pilgrimages. Materials used range from wood and ivory to precious metals like gold and silver, often adorned with enamelwork and gemstones. Some reliquaries are designed to resemble churches or other architectural forms, while others may take the shape of the relic itself, such as a statue or bust.12345

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

5 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

ceremonial object
Relics
…as is the production of reliquaries, or shrines that contain relics. The size, form, and materials of reliquaries vary greatly and often depend on the nature of the relic being exhibited. They may be fixed but are generally portable so that they can be carried in processions or on pilgrimages.…
Read More
…as is the production of reliquaries, or shrines that contain relics. The size, form, and materials of reliquaries vary greatly and often depend on the nature of the relic being exhibited. They may be fixed but are generally portable so that they can be carried in processions or on pilgrimages.…
Read More