As states Encyclopedia Britannica, in Christian doctrine the trinity refers to the unity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as three persons in one Godhead which is one of the central Christian affirmations about God. The Trinity is a fundamental concept in Ethiopian doctrine and is symbolized in most Ethiopian crosses by tri-partite designs and by repeating basic motifs on the cross three times. The Trinity itself symbolizes unity and order that reflect the relationship between God and humanity.
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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.
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.
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.
This vibrant antique icon of Virgin Mary of the The Three Hands is a traditional Eastern Orthodox image of the Mother of God with the infant Christ seated on her right arm and one underneath supporting him and her left raised and pointing to him. Her three hands confirm her special healing powers based on the legend of Saint John of Damascus. She is bordered on each side of the frame by saints. Russian icons are regarded as the Gospel in paint and are typically small paintings on wood panels using tempera and often ornate gold leaf. Panel cross members or “back slats” were used in pre-1890 Russian icons like this one.
This vintage Ethiopian cross pendant was crafted hand in Axum, known for its crosses with religious geometric shapes and symbols and apotropaic symbols to provide protection to the wearer. The center with cutouts and etched linear decorations simulates an endless knot to entangle malevolent spirits and the small incised circles on the arms are “protective eyes” that are believed to be able to bring blessings, deflect misfortune and avert the “evil eye.” The chain necklace is not included.
This elegant Ethiopian cross displays the distinctive tri-partite design features of Coptic crosses with its rounded horizontal arms and bottom that symbolize the significance of the Trinity in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Made in the Ethiopian Highlands, the top section contains a portion of a circle. In Coptic beliefs, circles symbolize eternity, Christ’s halo, and the infinite nature of His love. A small thin cross is enclosed in the center and is interwoven with the geometric elements. The circles are apotropaic symbols to repel evil forces and avert the “evil eye.” The criss-cross pattern at the end of the arms of the inner cross are a “demon trap” to repelling malevolent creatures who become trapped in their infinite pursuit to follow the lines. The cross is skillfully and beautifully designed with finely etched details on the front and some detailing on the back. Made using the lost wax technique, it is a one-of-a-kind pendant in very good condition with normal signs of wear consistent with age and use. The chain necklace is not included.
This large and heavy antique Ethiopian Cross is typical of the intricate and beautiful crosses associated with the Coptic Christian tradition in Ethiopia. The top is an etched circular section and the bottom section is a tri-partite design depicting the Trinity. The four birds on the outer edge surround geometric forms Interspersed with geometric shapes that my symbolize the Ark of the Covenant. The elaborate patterns decorate both sides of the cross which is in excellent condition.
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