Antique Ethiopian “Fleury” Cross (E335ZCE)

Description

No other region has produced the quantity, quality, and diversity as the crosses from the Africa Ethiopian-Highlands, the second nation to adopt Christianity as its official religion. The uniqueness of the Ethiopian-Cross stems from influences of many ancient civilizations: Coptic, Celtic, Egyptian, Byzantine and Greek. Ethiopian pendant crosses were made in a variety of sizes, designs, styles, and ornamentation. The intricate designs and symbols on these crosses are metaphors for the religious beliefs, ideology, and practices of the Ethiopian Church readily recognized by devotees.  This Christian-cross is a  modified Fleury Cross – a cross adorned at the ends with floral designs. The three arms symbolizes the Trinity, and when combined, 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 that reflects the relationship between God and humanity. It is centered with raised Latin-Cross with an x-shape in the middle. The incised criss-cross in the center is an apotropaic symbol to protect against bad luck and evil spirits and heal the body and spirit.  Although new motifs and design elements have been added over time, makers of this crosses have retained the fundamental characteristics, forms, and common symbols in their individualized African-Art 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 African-metalwork Christian-Cross with fine patina is a one-of-a-kind piece of African-jewelry. It is part of the VA Spiritual-and-Inspirational Collection of Christian-Art and Spiritual-Jewelry

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