H x W x D: 26.2 x 10.4 x 1.5cm (10 5/16 x 4 1/8 x 9/16in.)
Type:
Sculpture
Geography:
Ethiopia
Date:
Early 20th century
Label Text:
The cross is perhaps the most pervasive symbolic artifact in Ethiopia. Priests use hand crosses to bestow blessings on and receive salutations from the faithful. Made of iron, copper alloy or wood, hand crosses vary considerably. The square at the base of the shaft symbolizes the Ark of the Covenant, which is believed to have come to Ethiopia from Jerusalem, and the tomb of Adam, which is believed to have been at the foot of Christ's cross.
Description:
Wood hand cross in diamond form, with rectangular form on lower shaft, crosses incised at ends of arms and on rectangular form and a cross at the shaft end. Decoration is on both sides of the cross.
Provenance:
Mr. and Mrs. Donald F. Miller, Alexandria, Virginia, acquired Addis Ababa, 1971 to 1972
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