Vintage Ethiopian Cross with Lattice Work, Axum, (E310)

Description

The uniqueness of Ethiopian Crosses stems from influences of many ancient civilizations: Coptic, Celtic, Egyptian, Byzantine, Greek, and Latin. Axum Crosses which are the most popular Ethiopian pendant crosses use geometric shapes, mostly squares or rectangles as their foundation, and are embellished with religious and apotropaic (having the power to prevent evil) symbols. The cross itself, as well as design features in the shape of a cross, are believed to ward off evil.

This vintage Ethiopian Cross from the Northern Ethiopian Highlands of Africa is a variant of a Coptic cross referred to as an Axum Cross where it was crafted. As the most popular pendant Ethiopian cross it is embellished with religious and apotropaic symbols. This one has a circle on top with pierced cutouts and an etched rounded design. The body has extended arms ending in stylized rectangles with etched circles and the center is decorated on both sides with etched cross-hatching. The squares at the arm ends may represent the Ark of the Covenant which houses the Ten Commandments given by God to Moses which is believed to be housed in the Axum St. Mary’s of Zion church and also represents the relationship of the Ethiopian Church with the Queen of Sheba. The 4 incised circles in each of the 3 arms total 12, symbolizing the 12 Apostles. The circles are also apotropaic “protective eyes” to deflect misfortune and avert the “evil eye”  and the cross hatches symbolize the never-ending-knot that entraps malevolent forces.

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