Antique Ethiopian Coptic “Cross Pattée” (E328TCE)

Description

No other region has produced the quantity, quality and diversity of the crosses from the Africa Ethiopian Highlands, the second nation to adopt Christianity as its official religion.  Ethiopian crosses were made in a variety of sizes, designs, styles and ornamentation which are metaphors for the religious beliefs, ideology and practices of the Ethiopian Church readily recognized by devotees. This pendant is a  cross pattée with flaring arms narrowing towards the center and expending wider at the rounded ends. Its graceful shape is embellished with six round protruding bosses and etched dots framing each arm that were added after the lost wax process. Although new motifs and design elements have been added over time, makers of these crosses have retained the fundamental forms and symbols in their individualized creations. Made using the lost wax technique from coin silver with bosses and an attached suspension loop allowing a chain or cord to be threaded through it, this pendant with a fine patina is a one-of-a-kind piece. This type of cross historically has been popular in the Shoa area of Ethiopia, a historical kingdom in central Ethiopia.

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