Unusual tests carried out by the Maltese police forensics lab have established that a crucifix hosted at a Gozo parish dates back 334 years.
UV infrared light used during tests revealed the date '1683' etched on part of the work of art, a date which was not visible to the naked eye.
The crucifix, believed to have been originally sourced to Sicily, also established a fingerprint which is believed to be the sculptor's.
The crucifix is found at the Madonna tal-Grazzja church in Victoria, with believers claiming it is miraculous.
A video uploaded to the police's Facebook page shows the research carried out upon the initiative of Prevarti Ltd, which carries out restoration works.
Prevarti director Pierre Bugeja told Times of Malta the fingerprint details could help match the crucifix with the unknown sculptor's other works of art.