representational object

In religion, objects serve as focal points for worship, helping to concentrate the power of the sacred. These can range from simple altars made of earth or stone to elaborate sculptures and images representing deities. Sacred scriptures, pulpits, and devotional objects like beads also aid in focusing attention on the divine.1

Iconography and symbolism are closely linked in religious art. Icons, or images, can depict the divine in various forms, as well as human relationships to the sacred. They may also illustrate the world as a stage for divine action or the battle between good and evil. Religious figures like gods, saviors, and saints are also potent symbols, often represented with specific attributes or iconic forms.23

Objects used in worship, such as holy books, crosses, and liturgical garments, can also symbolize the divine or sacred concepts. Relics of religious figures, often consisting of bodily remains or personal items, are also venerated and housed in special shrines called reliquaries. These representational objects, whether statues, masks, or relics, are understood to embody or represent divine power, aiding worshippers in their connection to the holy.456