H x W x D: 25.4 x 11.1 x 1.6 cm (10 x 4 3/8 x 5/8 in.)
Type:
Sculpture
Geography:
Ethiopia
Date:
Mid-late 20th century
Label Text:
The cross is perhaps the most pervasive symbolic artifact in Ethiopia. Priests use hand crosses 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 cross composed of equal arms in the form of square diamonds, set on a shaft with square form the near base. Interlace or basketry motif carved on cross, square and bottom finial. Side arms are sawn through and attached on pivot pins.
Provenance:
Mr. and Mrs. Donald F. Miller, Alexandria, Virginia, acquired Addis Ababa, 1971 to 1972
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