A centuries-old bronze relic of Spanish exploration in the New World, missing almost since it was found 45 years ago at the foot of Grand Mesa, has unexpectedly turned up.
The relic, missing for at least 40 years, was found wrapped in tissue in a box originally containing 10-cent greeting cards and stored in the filing cabinet of a retired monsignor in Pueblo.
“It was quite a surprise when I saw the picture in The Post,” said the Rev. Howard Delaney, who retired 30 years ago from Christ the King Catholic Church in Pueblo. “At first, I thought it was another piece (of the same relic). Finally, I figured it was the same one” researchers were looking for.
The relic, the size of a candy bar, is thought by some to be a piece of a cross, but Delaney thinks not.
“It’s a mystery. We don’t know what it is,” Delaney said. “The figures are not what you would usually find on a cross.”
Whatever it is, the relic may be a key to expanding the knowledge of early Spanish exploration in Colorado.
Dave Bailey, chief curator for the Museum of Western Colorado in Grand Junction, had only a picture and was thrilled that the relic was found, likening the discovery to finding the Holy Grail.
“We though it was lost to history,” Bailey said.
He said the piece may be an applique that was part of a wooden cross or staff.
Having the object to study will help in determining exactly what it is and possibly in finding more pieces.
The relic was found in 1961 by Anita Clark and her husband, Keith, near their ranch.
The artifact was given to the Rev. John Sierra in Pueblo to study. It was thought he sent it to experts back east, but as it turns out, he sent only pictures.
When Sierra was re assigned to Argentina, he turned it over to Delaney.
“I just put it away, and every so often, I looked to see if it was there,” Delaney said.
Delaney contacted Bailey when he saw a story in The Denver Post on June 20 about the relic and Bailey’s search.
Bailey plans to travel to Pueblo today to get it, the priest said.
Eventually, the museum is going to set up an exhibit for the artifact, Bailey said.
“I’m glad it’s finding a home,” Delaney said.
Staff writer Jim Kirksey can be reached at 303-820-1448 or jkirksey@denverpost.com.
