The Aemilian casket reliquary:

The Aemilian casket reliquary, dating back to the 11th century and originating from San Millán de la Cogolla Monastery in Spain, represents a groundbreaking example of a multi-functional religious artifact. Unlike traditional reliquaries, this object was designed to cater to diverse devotional practices, resonating with both monastic communities and lay worshippers under varying circumstances. Through a meticulous analysis combining art historical studies and medieval liturgical evidence, the research demonstrates that the Aemilian reliquary's form and iconography were purposefully crafted to engage different audiences, setting a precedent for similar objects that later became widespread across European monasteries. This study not only reconstructs the reliquary's original appearance but also highlights its innovative role in bridging visual imagery with contemporary religious practices.

Hanan, M. (2018). The Aemilian casket reliquary: Romanesque Patrons and Processes, 195–204. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781351105606-16