Vintage Ethiopian Coin Silver Coptic Cross (E307YBL) $70

Description

This vintage Ethiopian Cross from the Northern Ethiopian Highlands in Africa is a variant of a Coptic cross referred to as an Axum Cross where it was crafted. As the most popular Ethiopian pendant crosses they are embellished with religious and apotropaic symbols. The bottom section is a tri-partite design depicting the Trinity. Each of the three arms has three sided elaborate extensions each etched with a circle that contain a circular “eye.” In the Coptic Church, the circle represents the eternal and everlasting love of God that is demonstrated in Christ’s Crucifixion and resurrection, a central belief in Coptic doctrine. Circles also are apotropaic “protective eye” symbols are believed to imbue the cross with special magic powers that can bring blessings and repel evil forces and harm. The etched decoration embellishes the front and back, although the front is more elaborately incised. 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 cross with fine patina is a one-of-a-kind piece.

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