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
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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

Every object is guaranteed authentic and as described, and has been legally acquired and imported in accordance with U.S. and applicable foreign regulations on the movement and sale of antiquities. A signed certificate of authenticity with a description and photograph accompanies this object. Any restoration is described on the invoice.

Free insured shipping within the United States on most pieces; oversized works are quoted at checkout. We pack and ship ourselves, usually within two business days. International shipping by USPS or DHL is calculated at checkout; if your country is not listed, write to us. Customs forms state the full value; international buyers are responsible for duties and taxes.

Any object may be returned within 14 days of receipt for a refund or credit. Contact us first. See Buying from Us.

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