What are these??? decorative or purposeful?

[kypo]

These look pretty cool hanging on my wall but since I found this site, I can't help wonder what they are or where they might have come from. Each measures about 10 inches long. I thought they might be religious because of the cross then a friend suggested some sort of decorative armor pieces.

 

[ipsilateral]

Those are possibly straps that would have been mounted on an orthodox Bible.

 

[yakker]

or ornamental appulettes? (like military shoulder ornaments)? Yak

 

[kypo]

Thanks for your thoughts, both sound plausible but I'm still searching for the answer that feels right...