Showing 1–12 of 39 results
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$295.00
The Fulani people favored many kinds of body ornaments, among the most traditional being bracelets and anklets in a horseshoe shape with flared decorative ends. Bracelets and anklets were ideal currency that was wearable, easily portable and readily available for purchases, especially for nomadic people. This finely-crafted, heavy and massive antique U-shaped example was created using the lost wax method and elaborately designed with intertwined twisted strands and 11 faceted ends incised with circle and diamond designs. It is in excellent condition, has a fine patina and minor pitting, scrapes and fading consistent with its age and use and comes with a wood and metal stand.
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$175.00
This magnificent Coptic Cross is a Shoa Solomonic design in the form of a fleury or floriated trefoil cross with the end of each arm splayed into three pointed lobes. The three petals at the ends represent the Trinity, which is also reflected in its tri-partite designs and by repeating basic motifs three times. The body of the cross is centered with a square and embellished with parallel rows of small granulates – spherical raised bosses – which results in a wonderfully textured surface. Each arm ends in decorative clusters of three bosses. The bosses granulates were added after the lost wax process. This beautiful cross is in excellent condition.
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$275.00
This exquisite and unique Ethiopian Orthodox Cross was fashioned as a modified Fleury Cross with each arm ending with three-part rounded finals with narrow borders enclosing a floral pattern creating visual harmony and symmetry. It is centered with raised Latin Cross that contains a x-shape in the middle and thin lines on each arms. The three part ends of the arms symbolize the Trinity, and when combined, represent the 12 Apostles who spread the message of the Gospel. The incised criss-cross in the center is an apotropaic symbol for protection. The piece is large but light and delicate with finely crafted and pleasing dimensions. It is in excellent condition with a warm patina and signs of wear consistent with age and use.
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$175.00
This elegant antique Ethiopian Coptic cross was fashioned as a Cross Pattée with flaring arms that are narrowed towards the center and expand wider to its end. Often crosses made prior to the 20th century in small villages by skilled local metal smiths were simpler, yet they are strikingly beautiful and powerful. This type of cross historically has been popular in the Shoa area of Ethiopia, a historical kingdom in central Ethiopia. This weighty piece was made using the lost-wax process to create a one-of-a-kind pendant. Its graceful shape with rounded arms is embellished with six round protruding bosses and etched dots framing each arm that were added after the lost wax process. It is in excellent shape with a warm patina and wear consistent with age and use.
The chain necklace is not included.
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$175.00
This magnificent Coptic Cross is in the form of a fleury or floriated trefoil cross which is a cross with the end of each arm splayed out into three pointed lobes. Each arm ends in decorative clusters of three bosses representing the Trinity. The body of the cross is centered with a square and embellished with parallel rows of small granulates – spherical raised bosses – which results in a wonderfully textured surface. Using the lost wax process, this masterfully and beautifully crafted cross was made by an extremely skilled artisan. The bosses and granulates were added after the lost wax process, making this a remarkable and unique one-of-a-kind work or art.
The chain necklace is not included.
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$175.00
The top of this traditional cross is circular with pierced cutouts and etched circles enclosing a stylized cross with four “eyes.” The circle sits on a horizontal bar on the top of the cross, a variant of older Coptic prototypes in which an Egyptian ankh was surmounted on a Latin cross. For Egyptians, the circular ankh represented the sun god and eternal life granted by the gods; to the Copts, it symbolized Christ’s halo, divinity, and God’s everlasting and eternal love through the Sacrifice of His Son and his resurrection. The three arms are decorated with etched criss-crosses and end in stylized rectangles, and the center of the body contains a stylized cross pattée with flaring arms. The woven matrix is on the front and back of the cross. Made of coin silver, this fine one-of-a-kind pendant in very good condition with normal signs of wear consistent with age and use. The necklace chain necklace is not included.
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$165.00
This simple but elegant Coptic Cross displays a commonly used tradition of including a circle surmounted on a Latin cross based on the Egyptian circle called the ankh. It is set atop a variation of a Cross Pattée with flaring arms rounded that narrow towards the center and expand wider to its end. This unassuming yet striking pendant is very heavy and large with a massive presence that is softened by its smooth surface and simple elegance. Prior to the 20th-century, pendant crosses were often made in small villages by skilled local metal smiths that were simpler, yet strikingly beautiful and powerful. It is in very fine shape with a warm patina and wear consistent with age and use. Made using the lost-wax technique using coin silver, this cross is a one-of-a-kind work of art. The necklace chain necklace is not included.
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$325.00
This exquisite and rare Coptic cross pendant was made in crucifix form incorporating the figure of Christ. Central to the Coptic doctrine is Christ’s resurrection and God’s everlasting and eternal love through the Sacrifice of His Son on the cross, which may be why Coptic crosses generally do not include a corpus. In addition, Ethiopian Orthodox Christian tradition generally favors abstract matrix designs with powerful and well-recognized symbols and forms with underlying and all-inclusive meanings over-representation of the corpus of Christ. For these reasons Ethiopian crucifix-style crosses are rare. Each flaring arm of the cross ends in a decorative assemblage of four bosses arranged in the shape of a triangle. The result is a delicate yet powerful pendant that reflects the mastery of the skilled craftsman who created it. The pendant was created with coin silver using the lost wax process, which was embellished afterward with the Christ figure and the decorated arm ornaments, making it a unique, one-of-a-kind, and wonderful pendant. It is in excellent condition with a warm patina and signs of wear consistent with age and use.
The necklace chain necklace is not included.
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$175.00
This simple but elegant Ethiopian Cross neck pendant is in the form of a Latin Cross, a plain cross that is the universal symbol of Christianity. The prominent flat outline of the bordered cross has rounded corners and is surmounted by a raised rounded cross in the center. A horizontal circular ring at the top of the cross is attached to a suspension loop for its chain or cord. Although the cross is heavy and has a distinct and massive feel, its soft edges and matted surface from years of wear impart a feeling of grace and warmth. Often crosses made prior to the 20th century in small villages by skilled local metal smiths were simpler, yet they are strikingly beautiful and powerful. Made using the lost-wax process, each of these crosses is a one-of-a-kind work of art. It is in excellent condition with a warm patina and wear consistent with age and use.
The necklace chain is not included.
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$195.00
This simple but elegant neck pendant is in the form of a Latin Cross, the universal symbol of Christianity. The prominent flat outline of the bordered cross has rounded corners and is surmounted by a raised rounded cross in the center. A suspension loop at the top allows a chain or cord to be threaded through it. Although the cross is heavy and has a distinct and massive feel, its soft edges and matted surface from years of wear impart a feeling of grace and warmth. Often crosses made prior to the 20th century in small villages by skilled local metal smiths were simpler, yet they are strikingly beautiful and powerful. Made using the lost-wax process, each of these crosses is a one-of-a-kind work of art. It is in very good shape with a warm patina and wear consistent with age and use.
The necklace chain necklace is not included.
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$195.00
This simple but elegant pendant is in the form of a Latin Cross, the universal symbol of Christianity. The prominent flat outline of the bordered cross has rounded corners and is surmounted by a raised rounded cross in the center. Although the cross is heavy and has a distinct and massive feel, its soft edges and matted surface from years of wear impart a feeling of grace and warmth. Often crosses made prior to the 20th century in small villages by skilled local metalsmiths were simpler, yet strikingly beautiful and powerful. Made using the lost-wax process, it is a one-of-a-kind work of art. It is in excellent shape with a warm patina and wear consistent with age and use. The necklace chain necklace is not included.
Click here for the Blog The Evolution and Brilliance of Ethiopian Crosses
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$165.00
Each African region fabricated its own variety of manillas that were typically horseshoe or C-shaped with a ball or flare at the ends with added pieces of metal to the body or plain open ends Ranging from thin delicate shapes to heavy massive pieces, they were embellished with designs of deeply carved lines forming parallel ridges, stamped or incised geometric forms, and other motifs. This delicate antique Fulani C-shape solid metal bracelet was made with deeply cut parallel ridges over most of its surface which elicits the effects of twisted metal pieces. The top is centered with an extended flat topped boss/knob centered at the top and unlike many manillas has flat ends. With a fine patina it is a beautiful piece in excellent condition with wear scratches and discolorations consistent with its age and use. It comes with a wood and metal stand.
Click here for Blog Manillas: Former African Trade Currency.
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