African Handmade Collectibles
Size : 5.1 W x 3.5 D x 9 H inches
One of the most enduring symbols of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church is the cross, which exists in three principal forms: the processional cross, the hand cross, and the pendant cross. Ethiopian processional crosses are large and intricate, made from cast white metal with strap and latticework designs. These crosses are carried atop staffs during feasts and parades through towns and villages, eventually returning to churches. Hand crosses, carried by priests during religious ceremonies, often feature lattice work and a square base. Their unique designs and profound symbolism continue to captivate collectors and art enthusiasts worldwide.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church is one of the oldest Christian institutions in the world, believed to date back to the 1st century. Over time, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church flourished with minimal outside influence. The church experienced two centuries of European contact and conflict in the early 15th century, followed by another two centuries of relative isolation. This long period of separation allowed Ethiopian Christianity to preserve much of its early symbolism and simplicity, reflecting the earliest Christian traditions.
