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Catalog Data

Maker:
Ethiopian Orthodox  Search this
Medium:
Silver alloy
Dimensions:
H x W x D: 8.5 x 6 x 1 cm (3 3/8 x 2 3/8 x 3/8 in.)
Type:
Jewelry
Geography:
Ethiopia
Date:
Mid-20th century
Label Text:
Silver pendant crosses are worn in Ethiopia as professions of the Christian faith, a tradition begun in the 15th century with crosses of wood and other metals. The Maria Theresa thaler, an 18th-century Austrian coin popular in Africa in the 19th century, was often melted down and transformed into silver pendant crosses.
Provenance:
Joseph and Patricia Brumit, Sun City West, -- to 2004
Content Statement:
As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.
Image Requests:
High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/
Topic:
cross  Search this
male  Search this
Credit Line:
Gift of Joseph and Patricia Brumit
Object number:
2004-7-49
Restrictions & Rights:
Usage conditions apply
See more items in:
National Museum of African Art Collection
Data Source:
National Museum of African Art
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ys76eb6a417-13fb-4345-874e-64c816307625
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nmafa_2004-7-49