2. Stone Lintel from the Church of Thiruvithamcode (Thiruvamcode)
Circa 8th-9th century CE
Kerala, India
Ricci 2 KP India 06 140

This church is said to be one of the seven churches founded by St. Thomas after he arrived in Malankara, Kerala in 52 CE. According to legend, St. Thomas erected crosses in Quilon, Niranam, Kothamangalam, Kottukkayal, Cayal, and Palayur. The decorated stone lintel of Thiruvithamcode (Thiruvamcode) shows two winged figures on either side of a cross at the entrance to the church.

This stone-built church is one of the oldest Christian structures in Kerala and may have been a Hindu shrine before being converted into a church.