Antique Ethiopian Coin Silver Gondar-Lalibela Hybrid Pendant Cross, Axum, (E325)

Description

This antique cross pendant from the Ethiopian Highlands features complex design that fuses two major regional design styles. The upper section is a Gondar crown, a circular medallion surrounding a central openwork Greek cross flanked by four openwork crescents. The outer border is ringed with scalloped dots (crenellations), which symbolizes the crown architecture of the old imperial capital of Gondar. The main body contains a geometric lattice or “endless knot” pattern which in Coptic traditions represents eternity and the dual nature of Christ linking the  inseparable divine and human. Separating the upper Gondar crown from the lattice  is a horizontal lintel decorated with hand-chiseled rope engraving commonly used in Ethiopian crosses. The center contains a stylized Cross Pattée with flaring arms. Ethiopian crosses are also worn to assure blessings, good health and protection with apotropaic forces to repel evil. Impressed circles are “protective eyes” bringing blessings that repel evil forces and harm, deflect misfortune and avert the “evil eye ” while crisscrossed patterns are believed to entrap evil spirits for eternity in their quest to follow the endless lines.The base and lateral arms end in  in “diamond wings”  with faint, hand-incised cross-hatch marks, are symbolic protections to  to ward off the “evil eye.”

Using the lost wax technique with coin-silver, it is a one-of-a-kind pendant in very good condition with normal signs of wear consistent with age and use and a fine patina. An attached suspension-loop allows a chain or cord to be threaded through it. The coin silver chain is not included and may be purchased separately.

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