Central cross, with smaller crosses attached as finials, projecting from each arm. Bracket on lower arm attached to shaft.

Processional Cross

Maker Ethiopian Artist

Date15th-16th century

Place of originEthiopia, Africa

MediumBrass, bronze copper rivets and shaft, solder

Dimensions9 5/8 x 6 1/2 in. (24.4 x 16.5 cm)

ClassificationsSculpture

Credit LinePartial gift of Richard Faletti and Museum purchase, funds provided by the Caroline Julier and James G. Richardson Acquisition Endowment, Michael A. Singer, and the David A. Cofrin Art Acquisition Endowment

Object number2003.10.9

Collections

AFRICAN

Visual DescriptionCentral cross, with smaller crosses attached as finials, projecting from each arm. Bracket on lower arm attached to shaft.

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Central cross top and side arms surrounded with arcing band that sprout smaller crosses and loops. Attached to large pyramidal shaft.

Processional cross

Ethiopian Artist

12th-15th century

Abstracted cross form with open design. Smaller crosses in different styles projecting from top and sides.

Processional cross

Ethiopian Artist

12th or 15th century

Cross with joined arms and two brackets attached to central support. Incised surface with images of the Virgin and Child, Crucifixion, and a written inscription on lower arm.

Processional Cross

Ethiopian Artist

mid-late 18th 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

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

Cast bronze cross surrounded with openwork double "triumphal arch" surmounted with smaller crosses and bird's head motifs.

Processional Cross

Ethiopian Artist

14th-15th century

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

Silver pendant cross composed of disks and teardrop shaped lower vertical arm, the outer edge of each arm has trefoil spherical finials; on either side of the short arms are protruding half circles with a trefoil shape on its rim; the center of the cross has a large hemispherical boss with an incised line around it, the granulated surface of the cross is darkened; has a ring for suspension with beading

Neck Cross

Ethiopian Artist

undated

Silver pendant with all four arms taking a circular form; each arm has a large silver circle in relief with intricately incised lines around it; on the outer rims of each arm are small circles; the center of the cross also has a circle in relief surrounded by four smaller circles; the pendant has a wired hinge that is attached to a triangular shaped finial that encloses 3 incised circles with 6 small circles on the outer rim; has ring for suspension

Neck Cross

Ethiopian Artist

undated

Neck Cross

Ethiopian Artist

undated

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; has an inner cross shape in relief with a thick silver border around it; hinge attached to superior arm with a finial floral pattern enclosed in a diamond shaped form; has ring for suspension

Neck Cross

Ethiopian Artist

undated