This is a hand carved cross that is 19th Century pre-Civil War circa 1855. The medium is Ivory and the subject is a Cross with Holly plants. White was used in mourning for a child to symbolize the innocence and purity. The holly plant carved is intertwined with the white cross. In this time period the holly plant was the symbol for Foresight. In the ancient times, holly bushes were planted near tombs in the belief they protected them from lighting strikes. They were also a symbolic of domestic happiness. The cross was worn with a white ribbon or silk cord by the mother. The cross is in excellent condition and is 2 ¾ tall and 1 ¼ wide.