Antique/Vintage Very Rare Ethiopian Coptic Crucifix (E334NCK) $325

Description

No region has produced the quantity, quality and diversity as the crosses coming from the Ethiopian-highlands in Africa. The uniqueness of the Ethiopian-Cross stems from influences of many ancient civilizations: Coptic, Celtic, Egyptian, Byzantine and Greek.  Ethiopia was the second country after Armenia to adopt Christianity as its official religion, but it remained isolated and independent from Europe enabling the Ethiopian Orthodox Church to retain the early simplicity, purity, symbolism and practices of early Christian cultures. This exquisite Coptic Cross pendant was made in as a modified Fleury Cross (a cross adorned at the ends with floral designs) in crucifix form incorporating the figure of Christ. The arms of the crucifix ends with four bosses in a triangle shape. Although Christ’s resurrection and God’s everlasting love through the Sacrifice of His Son on the cross is a central tenet of Coptic doctrine, Ethiopian Orthodox tradition favors abstract designs with well-recognized symbols. The EOC also embraces an old church injunction forbidding the use of graven images Thus, representing the body of Christ on any crosses, especially pendant crosses is extremely rare. The flaring arms end in a decorative floral assemblage of four bosses arranged in a triangle shape. The three arms symbolize the Trinity and, when combined with the 4 end designs, represent the 12 Apostles who spread the message of the Gospel. The Trinity is also symbolized by its tri-partite design, and by repeating basic motifs on the cross three times it reflects the relationship between God and humanity. Although new motifs and design elements have been added to these unique forms over time, cross makers have retained the fundamental characteristics, forms and  symbols in their creations. Made using the lost wax technique from coin silver with an attached suspension loop allowing a chain or cord to be threaded through it, this pendant with fine patina is a one-of-a-kind piece

For information and bibliographic citations click here for the blog The Evolution and Brilliance of Ethiopian Crosses