A reliquary, such as our sterling silver example by the Talleres de Los Ballesteros, is an object for the display and veneration of holy relics such as the bone, hair or piece of clothing belonging to or associated with a saint. A Reliquary is sometimes called a “monstrance,” from the Latin verb, monstare" to show." Reliquaries play an important role in Catholic, Anglican and High Lutheran liturgies along with other pieces of altar "furniture" such as the paten, chalice, censer and pyxis. These objects of worship, historically seen to reflect the glory of God, were often made of precious materials and executed by the finest artists available to the Church throughout its long history. A monstrance designed for the elevation of the consecrated Host, is traditionally large and elaborately decorated and was meant to be visible by an entire congregation,. But portable reliquaries, such as our example, have also been made for travel and as objects of personal devotion. While suitable as a conventional picture frame, the depth of the display area attests to its intended purpose of housing a customarily mounted and sealed relic. Talleres (Workshops) de Los Ballesteros was founded at Taxco, Mexico in 1937 and is still in business. Judging by the silver mark and Rococo Revival design, this delicate, hand wrought devotional object was made in the 1950s -1960s. Condition: Excellent. Dimensions: 2.5" x 3".