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

Processional cross

Maker Ethiopian Artist

Date12th or 15th century

Place of originEthiopia, Africa

MediumBrass or bronze

Dimensions11 1/4 x 7 1/2 in. (28.6 x 19.1 cm)

ClassificationsFurnishings and Equipment

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 number2003.10.8

Collections

AFRICAN

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

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

Processional Cross

Ethiopian Artist

15th-16th century

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

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

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

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

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

Solid silver pendant cross with ring of suspension; cut out from silver coin, Maria Theresa thaler; surface of the cross shows partial image of the buxom Empress portrayed on the fornt/obverse side of Maria Theresa thaler; the reverse side of the cross shows the partial image of the Habsburg Double Eagle; on both sides, there is a partial view of Latin inscriptions

Neck Cross

Ethiopian Artist

undated

Silver pendant in the form of a Maltese cross, also known as an 8-pointed cross; surface has an incised floral design on each arm with double border lines on each side of it; surface also has small incised circular formations throughout; has a ring for suspension with an additional clasp for use as a pendant; reverse side has a repetitive incised linear pattern along the border

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

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