Antique/Vintage Ethiopian Latin Cross with Raised Center (E332)

Description

No other region has produced the quantity, quality, and diversity as the Christian crosses from the Africa Ethiopian-Highlands an area renowned for its unique art and metalwork The uniqueness of these Crosses reflects influences of many ancient civilizations: Coptic, Celtic, Egyptian, Byzantine, Greek, and Roman. Ethiopia was the second country to make Christianity its official religion but remained isolated from Europe enabling the Ethiopian Orthodox Church to retain its early simplicity, purity, symbolism and practices of the earliest Christian cultures.

This simple elegant Ethiopian Cross pendant is a Latin Cross with a horizontal bar crossing a vertical bar, 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 it is heavy with 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 or early in the 20th century in small Ethiopian villages by skilled local metal smiths were simpler, yet they are strikingly beautiful and powerful. Simple Coptic crosses are rare and prized for their elegance and spirituality.

Using the lost wax technique with coin-silver, it is a one-of-a-kind pendant in excellent 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. Call 213-568-3030 or email [email protected] for chain options.

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