Africa, Ethiopia, Coptic culture, ca. 19th century CE. An ornate and quite sizable brass cross adorned with elaborate openwork lattice and scrolling motifs. At the lower end is a flared, conical socket to fit a pole for processional use. The ornate aesthetic of the piece reflects the richness of Ethiopian Christianity. Ethiopian Christianity is one of the most distinctive traditions of the religion, earlier than much of the rest of Africa thanks to missions from the 1st century until the 4th century, when St. Frumentius of Tyre converted King Ezana. As a result, Ethiopia developed a distinctly African form of Christianity. Geometric designs are characteristic of Ethiopian art, the intertwining lattice style possesses layers of meaning and suggestions of order particular to the culture, symbolizing eternal life and relating to the nature of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Size: 17.8" W x 25.1" H (45.2 cm x 63.8 cm)

Provenance: private New Haven, Connecticut, USA collection

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#176134

Some minor nicks, indentations, and bending to areas, but otherwise intact and excellent with impressive preservation of form and detail. Some light encrustations to openwork and patina throughout. Modern wooden base is glued to bottom.