In the Ethiopian Orthodox Church the cross is linked both to the crucifixion of Jesus and the Tree of Life mentioned in the Book of Genesis. This interpretation is seen in the natural forms present in these Ethiopian hand crosses and in pendants where birds on the outer edge of the pendant are believed to transform the Cross into a tree which is a reference to the Trees of Knowledge and Life. In Ethiopian ideology visually portraying the cross and the Tree together signifies the True Cross, the beginning and end of time and the unique lineage of the Ethiopian people to the biblical Queen of Sheba.
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An Indian toran or bandhanwar is a beadwork tapestry traditionally placed at home doorways and thresholds and symbolize warmth, positivity, and protection. Their origin lies in ancient Hindu religious texts which are part of the Vedas, the vast genre of Indian literature that includes myths, legends, traditional philosophy, lore and rituals (circa 1500-1000 BC). They…
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 symbols. It is centered with a lattice pattern of a…
This hand made vintage Ethiopian Cross is typical of the intricate and beautiful crosses associated with Coptic tradition of Christianity in Ethiopia which combined different cultural traditions, and religious and talismanic motifs. Old Coptic crosses often included a circle, as here with a circular shape on top enclosing an etched circular design and a cut…
The etched circular section at the top of this cross spiritually represents eternity and Christ’s halo, his infinite love and resurrection. A circle is also an apotropaic symbol of the “protective eye” that brings personal blessings to the wearer and deflects misfortune. The bottom section is a tri-partite design depicting the Trinity. The four birds…
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…
No other region has produced the quantity, quality and diversity as the Christian cross images from the Ethiopian Highlands, a region renowned for having accepted Christianity early in its history as well as for its fine African art and metalwork. This Coptic cross features stylized birds that transform the simple cross into a tree representing…
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