**First Time At Auction**

Africa, Ethiopia, ca. 17th century CE or possibly earlier. A cast bronze cross from the Ethiopian Christian tradition, with four arms emerging from a rounded wheel form with four spokes. Bronze studs mark each juncture and one arm has a loop for suspension. A modern silver chain is included. Size of cross: 2.2" W x 2.25" H (5.6 cm x 5.7 cm); length of chain: 26.75" (67.9 cm)

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, and this 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.

Provenance: ex Adeon Gallery, Chicago, Illinois, USA, acquired prior to 1970

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#126935

Dark brown patina on surface with some light signs of wear.