The stone anchor was discovered in the ancient anchorage of Yavneh. It was probably used on a small fishing or trading vessel (5th–6th centuries CE) that was owned by a Christian. The engraved stone slab was originally part of a church iconostasis (a low wall decorated with Christian symbols) that partitioned the main hall from the holy altar in the center of the church. After becoming redundant it was selected by a local fisherman or trader for use as an anchor. It seems that this section of the iconostasis was chosen due to the two crosses engraved in it. To convert it into an anchor, three perforations were made in the slab: the top hole for tying rope, and the two bottom perforations for inserting wooden logs for gripping the seabed. The use of an item from the holiest area of the church, in conjunction with its crosses, as an anchor is highly symbolic, for the anchor is one of the most important safety devices on a boat and in itself is a symbol of hope and stability. Original Anchor Measurements: Height – ca. 22"; Max width - ca. 18.5".