Ornate Ethiopian Coptic Silver Processional Cross - Art for Eternity
Ornate Ethiopian Coptic Silver Processional Cross - Art for Eternity
Ornate Ethiopian Coptic Silver Processional Cross - Art for Eternity
Ornate Ethiopian Coptic Silver Processional Cross - Art for Eternity
Ornate Ethiopian Coptic Silver Processional Cross - Art for Eternity
Ornate Ethiopian Coptic Silver Processional Cross - Art for Eternity
Ornate Ethiopian Coptic Silver Processional Cross - Art for Eternity
Ornate Ethiopian Coptic Silver Processional Cross - Art for Eternity
Ornate Ethiopian Coptic Silver Processional Cross - Art for Eternity
Ornate Ethiopian Coptic Silver Processional Cross - Art for Eternity
Ornate Ethiopian Coptic Silver Processional Cross - Art for Eternity
Ornate Ethiopian Coptic Silver Processional Cross - Art for Eternity
Ornate Ethiopian Coptic Silver Processional Cross - Art for Eternity
Ornate Ethiopian Coptic Silver Processional Cross - Art for Eternity
Ornate Ethiopian Coptic Silver Processional Cross - Art for Eternity
Ornate Ethiopian Coptic Silver Processional Cross - Art for Eternity
Ornate Ethiopian Coptic Silver Processional Cross - Art for Eternity
Ornate Ethiopian Coptic Silver Processional Cross - Art for Eternity
Ornate Ethiopian Coptic Silver Processional Cross - Art for Eternity
Ornate Ethiopian Coptic Silver Processional Cross - Art for Eternity Ornate Ethiopian Coptic Silver Processional Cross - Art for Eternity Ornate Ethiopian Coptic Silver Processional Cross - Art for Eternity Ornate Ethiopian Coptic Silver Processional Cross - Art for Eternity Ornate Ethiopian Coptic Silver Processional Cross - Art for Eternity Ornate Ethiopian Coptic Silver Processional Cross - Art for Eternity Ornate Ethiopian Coptic Silver Processional Cross - Art for Eternity Ornate Ethiopian Coptic Silver Processional Cross - Art for Eternity Ornate Ethiopian Coptic Silver Processional Cross - Art for Eternity

Ornate Ethiopian Coptic Silver-Alloy Processional Cross

16040

$795.00
/
Shipping calculated at checkout.

This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Ethiopia, 19th to 20th century 

A finely worked Ethiopian Orthodox (Coptic Christian) processional cross, cast by the lost-wax technique in a silvery nickel-silver alloy. The flaring, equal-armed cross is composed entirely of intricate openwork,  intertwined lattice, knotwork, and radiating geometric motifs,  terminating in delicate beaded finials at the arm tips. Below the cross head, a pair of small birds perch within an openwork base, above a conical socketed shaft made to receive a wooden processional staff. 

In the Ethiopian Orthodox tradition, processional crosses (mäsqäl) are carried atop staffs in liturgical processions and feast-day celebrations, their elaborate openwork symbolizing the interwoven mysteries of faith and eternal life. The flanking birds are a recurring motif in Ethiopian crosses, often read as doves of the Holy Spirit or symbols of the resurrected soul.

Form: Equal-armed openwork processional cross with conical staff socket and perched birds

Dimensions: 20 in. H × 14⅝ in. W. The piece is presented on a custom display mount.

Condition: Surface wear, oxidation, and minor casting irregularities consistent with use and age.

Provenance: Ex Pennsylvania private collection

All pieces are unconditionally guaranteed authentic and as described in perpetuity and have been legally acquired and imported in full accordance with U.S. and applicable foreign regulations regarding the movement and sale of antiquities.

A signed guarantee of authenticity with a description and photograph of the item(s) accompanies this object.

We ship Tuesday to Friday with UPS or USPS and usually same day if your order is received before 2pm. Depending on size and destination, delivery times range from one to five business days.

For overseas shipments our shipping charge includes packing, preparation of all customs paperwork, insurance and carrier fees in compliance with all USA and International customs requirements.

Overseas shipments are usually sent by courier but contact us if you have a shipping preference. International customers are responsible for all duties and taxes. 

You may also like

Recently viewed

Back to East Africa