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

Processional Cross

Maker Ethiopian Artist

Date14th-15th century

Place of originEthiopia, Africa

MediumBronze

Dimensions10 3/4 in. (27.3 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 number2003.10.2

Collections

AFRICAN

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

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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

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

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 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

Cross

Ethiopian Artist

15th-16th 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

Pectoral Cross

Ethiopian Artist

late 15th century

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