Africa

Africa is the second largest continent after Asia and covers about one-fifth of the total land surface of the Earth and is comprised of 54 countries. The United Nations’ Geoscheme divides the continent into 5 subregions: Central Africa, East Africa, North Africa, West Africa and South Africa. The VA collection includes items mostly from West, East and Central Africa.

Showing 1–12 of 40 results

  • Antique Coin Silver Ethiopian Latin Cross (E332FCE) $195

    $195.00
    Ht: 2.375  W: 1.5″ | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    This simple elegant Ethiopian-cross  pendant is a plain Latin Christian-cross, the universal symbol of Christianity, 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 the 20th century in small Ethiopian villages by skilled local metal smiths were simpler, yet they are strikingly beautiful and powerful. Made using the lost-wax process, each is a one-of-a-kind work. The necklace chain is not included.

     

  • Antique Ethiopian Coin Silver “Fleury” Cross (E335ZCE) $275

    $275.00
    H: 2.75″    W: 1.75 ”  | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    This exquisite and unique Ethiopian Orthodox Cross is a modified Fleury Cross, each arm ending with three-part rounded finals with narrow borders enclosing a floral pattern creating visual harmony and symmetry 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.

     

  • Antique Ethiopian Coin Silver Coptic Crucifix (E334NCK) $325

    $325.00
    Ht: 1.875  W: 1.687   | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    The antique Ethiopian Cross is unique as it is in crucifix form with an image of Christ, rarely used in the Coptic tradition. This delicate yet powerful pendant reflects the mastery of the skilled craftsman who created it. Using the lost wax process, it was embellished a with the Christ figure and decorative arm ornaments, making it a wonderful one-of-a-kind pendant with a warm patina and signs of wear consistent with age and use. The necklace chain necklace is not included.

     

  • Antique Ethiopian Coin Silver Fleury Cross (E338ZCE) $175

    $175.00
    Ht: 2.563″  W: 2.063″    | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    This wonderful Coptic Cross is in the form of a fleury or floriated trefoil cross with the end of each arm splayed into three pointed lobes representing the Trinity. The body is embellished with parallel rows of small granulates which results in a vibrant textured surface. The chain is not included.

     

     

  • Antique Ethiopian Coin Silver Latin Cross (E331PCE) $175

    $175.00
    Ht: 2.125″  W: 1.5″ | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    This simple elegant Ethiopian Cross neck pendant is a plain Latin Cross, the universal symbol of Christianity, surmounted by a raised rounded cross in the center.  With a distinct and massive feel, its soft edges and matted surface from years of wear impart a feeling of grace and warmth.  Made using the lost-wax process, each is a one-of-a-kind work of art. 

     
  • Antique Ethiopian Coptic “Cross Pattée” (E328TCE)

    $175.00
    Ht: 2.625″  W: 1.625″   | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    This elegant antique Ethiopian Coptic cross was fashioned as a Cross Pattée with flaring arms that narrow towards the center and expand 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 weighty piece was made using the lost-wax process to create a one-of-a-kind pendant, embellished with six round protruding bosses and etched dots added after the lost wax process. The chain necklace is not included.

     

  • Antique Ethiopian Coptic Coin Silver “Fleury” Cross (E339DCE) $175

    $175.00
    Ht: 2.375″  W: 1.937″  | FREE SHIPPING!

    This magnificent Ethiopian-Cross is a Fleury or floriated trefoil cross with the end of each arm splayed out into three pointed lobes with ends in decorative clusters of three bosses representing the Trinity. The body is embellished with parallel rows of small granulates resulting in a wonderfully textured surface. 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.

  • Antique Ethiopian Coptic Cross Pattée (E329QCE)

    $175.00
    Ht: 3.125″  W: 1.75″ | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    This antique Ethiopian Cross combines several cultural traditions: an Egyptian round ankh surmounted on rounded cross pattée with flaring arms that narrow towards the center. This striking pendant is heavy and large with a massive presence 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.

  • Antique Ethiopian Coptic Cross Pattée (E330ZCE)

    $165.00
    Ht: 2.625″  W: 1.5″  || FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    This simple but elegant Coptic Cross displays a commonly used tradition of including a circle surmounted on a Latin cross based on the Egyptian ankh set on a variation of a Cross Pattée with flaring arms. This unassuming yet striking pendant is heavy and large with a massive presence that is softened by its smooth surface and simple elegance.

  • Antique Ethiopian Latin Cross (E333GCE) $195

    $195.00
    Ht: 2.75″  W: 1.81″  |  FREE SHIPPING!

    This simple elegant Ethiopian Cross pendant is a plain Latin Cross, the universal symbol of Christianity,  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. 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 is a one-of-a-kind work of art. The necklace chain is not included.

    Click here for the Blog The Evolution and Brilliance of Ethiopian Crosses

  • Antique Fulani Manilla Currency/Slave Bracelet, West Africa (3159XLR) $110

    $110.00
    H: 2.75”  W: 3.125”  Thick: 0.375” Circum. 8.25”   | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    This early 19th century Fulani bracelet has its origin in Mali or Niger. As nomadic people, bracelets and anklets such as this were an ideal form of currency that was wearable, easily portable, and available for occasional major purchases. This circular thin C-shaped manilla has a rounded smooth surface inside and out. It is divided visually into six sections with incised crosshatch and linear designs. The copper-colored surface has a fine patina and it is in excellent condition with signs of use consistent with its age.  It comes with a wood and metal stand.

     

  • Antique Fulani Manilla Currency/Slave Bracelet, West Africa (3147YCK) $165

    $165.00
    H: 2.875”  W: 3”  Thick: 0.625” Circum: 8.5” | FREE SHIPPING

    Each African group made its own manillas and were mostly horseshoe or C-shaped.  Ranging from thin delicate shapes to heavy massive pieces, they were embellished with deeply carved designs, stamped or incised geometric forms and other motifs. This delicate Fulani bracelet has cut parallel ridges over most of its surface eliciting the effects of twisted metal pieces. The top is centered with a unique extended flat topped boss/knob.  

     

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