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Cross with thin iron arms and shaft, axis with equal length arms, flared at ends then terminate as triangular points. Square knob forms a handle on end of staff. Metal is silver-colored with some black oxidization, worn areas with minute scratches
Handheld Cross
Courtesy of the Harn Museum of Art, Photography by Randy Batista

Handheld Cross

Maker Ethiopian Artist
Date13th century
MediumIron alloy
Dimensions15 1/2 x 4 1/8 x 3/8 in. (39.4 x 10.5 x 1 cm)
ClassificationsSculpture
Credit LineGift of Marc and Denyse Ginzberg
Object number2010.45
Collections
Visual DescriptionCross with thin iron arms and shaft, axis with equal length arms, flared at ends then terminate as triangular points. Square knob forms a handle on end of staff. Metal is silver-colored with some black oxidization, worn areas with minute scratches
Solid silver cross with equilateral arms; has a central diamond shape that has a pierced cross shape in the center and an incised design of pierced squares and incised lines; the ends of the arms extend beyond the diamond; on the outer rim of the diamond are four finial bird shapes, a pierced crown shape with a half-circle on both ends of the shorter arm, and a cross shaped finial on the lower end of the superior arm; superior arm has a ring for suspension; signs of wear
Neck Cross
Ethiopian Artist
undated
Silver pendant in the form of a Latin cross that has a ring for suspension; the ends of the arms trifurcate into leaf shapes forming a cross patonce; the surface of the pendant has incised lines in the central area, and an incised grid-shaped pattern on the ends of each arm
Neck Cross
Ethiopian Artist
undated
Simple silver pendant in the form of a Latin cross; the ends of the arms have trefoil shaped finials; there are 6 small crosses enclosed in circles collectively taking the shape of a cross with a pierced pattern; superior arm has a ring for suspension
Neck Cross
Ethiopian Artist
undated
Red amber and silver circular pendant with a ring for suspension; has a silver cross shape as overlay on the amber with 4 large silver circles in relief on the arms and in the center; pendant has a silver rim with an applique decoration of small silver circles on the ends of each arm of the cross; rim border has incised line; reverse side of pendant has a cut hole in the center
Neck Cross
Ethiopian Artist
undated
Silver pendant in the form of a Greek cross; intricately designed ring for suspension attached to superior arm; ends of the three main arms are rounded with a deep incised edge; the center of the cross has an incised diagonally shaped cross
Neck Cross
Ethiopian Artist
undated
Tubular form with ridges and herringbone pattern on edges of central axis of exterior.
Prestige anklet (konga)
Ekonda Artist
19th-20th century
Cross with leaf-like curving arms and small cruciform shapes sprouting form top and side arms. Bracket with wide loops below cross connect it to shaft. Inscribed surface with interlace pattern of "eyes".
Processional Cross
Ethiopian Artist
14th-15th century
Silver pendant in the form of a Latin cross; has engraving of a figure with sword, possibly Saint Michael; has ring for suspension; this is a hollow cross that can be opened by removing the pin on the right arm (hinged on the left arm); inside the cross is an incised crucifix image; the reverse side of the cross has an incised image of Mary and Christ and faces (apostles or saints) on the ends of each arm
Neck Cross
Ethiopian Artist
undated
Silver pendant in the form of a Latin cross; ends of each arm have trefoil shaped finials; cross has a thick silver border enclosing an interlace and loop pattern with pierced square shapes; the superior arm has an intricate decorative finial with a ring for suspension attached
Neck Cross
Ethiopian Artist
undated
Gilded silver pendant in the form of a Latin cross with a ring for suspension; on either side of the shorter arms are two sharp edged triangular shapes; surface has an intricately incised design with a central floral pattern enclosed in a circle, and a vine like pattern on the arms; the arms also have an incised linear border; on the reverse, there is an inscription across the shorter arm
Neck Cross
Ethiopian Artist
undated
Solid silver pendant in the form of a Latin cross; superior arm has a ring of suspension; the cross has an incesed figure; the width of the arms gently widens from the center and each arm has half circles at its apex; on either side of the shorter arms are triangular protrusions with small circles at the apex
Neck Cross
Ethiopian Artist
undated
Spear with iron blade and opposing end sharpened as stabber; triangular blade with barbs on its shaft and incising; wood handle has incising, bulb in center with cross hatching; handle is wrapped in copper strips.
Double ended spear
Congolese Artist (Democratic Republic of Congo)
before 1953

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