Processional cross, Coptic, Ethiopia, first half of the 20th century

Metal with engraved and pierced decoration, approx. 60.5x44.5 cm
Coptic crosses are unique and intricate religious symbols often found in Ethiopian and Eritrean Orthodox churches and homes. It is due to this isolation that Ethiopian Christianity has retained much of its early symbolism and the raw simplicity of the very first Christian peoples. One of the oldest symbols adopted by the church is the cross, which retains its purest form in Ethiopia.
These crosses are made of an elaborate latticework of silver and brass alloys; the interwoven lattice represents eternal life. No two crosses are exactly identical in style, and the artisans who create them have the freedom to exercise a certain degree of individual taste and creativity in their choice of form and pattern.

Iänmukaista kulumaa. Naarmuja.