Photographs © Hamill Gallery
ETHIOPIAN
Large Cross 325
22" high x 17.25" wide x 2.25" deep
$800
SOLD
This Ethiopian cross was probably made to be sold. It has been mounted on a wooden staff (as it would have been carried), then fastened to a metal base for stability. It stood on its own but could be knocked over. The base is included in the price.
Ethiopia has been a Christian nation since the 4th C. Crosses similar to these were mounted on staffs and carried during processionals or displayed on altars. They are individually cast in Ethiopia from a silver alloy (or a copper alloy that is silver plated) and can stand on their own without bases. The designs on the back sides are similar to those on the front but usually with fewer incised lines. There is no reason to believe that this cross was ever used in religious services.
Although our best formed cross, beautifully made, there is some extensive discoloration in the silver plating, especially on the top. Cleaning removes more of the silver, revealing a copper colored core (see deatails).
BACK TO LARGE ETHIOPIAN CROSSES PAGE
GO TO ETHIOPIAN HAND CROSSES PAGE
GO TO ETHIOPIAN PENDANT CROSSES PAGE
GO TO ETHIOPIAN WOODEN ICONS PAGE
GO TO ETHIOPIAN METAL ICONS PAGE
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