The cross as an image of Christianity has been associated with the country of Ethiopia since the 4th century when emperor Ezana accepted the new faith and engraved coins with the symbol to spread the message. Several different styles and types of crosses have since been used as symbols of the Christian faith. The Procession crosses each with a hollowed shaft mounted on a long wooden pole are possessions of the church and monasteries. The staff crosses are carried by pilgrims on their shoulders. The pendant cross suspended on a long chain are worn by women; neck crosses are donned by men and children. Hand crosses are possessions of individual priests. The processional cross is held by priest during religious services and ceremonies. They establish a place of holiness and salvation for the believers. The early processional crosses of the 12th and 15th centuries were mainly of copper and bronze, cast in the lost wax method. Another technique involved the tracing of a designed cross onto a sheet of metal then it was punched out. Iron crosses appeared in the 17th and 18th century. The unique identifying shaping of the cross would indicate its specific province of origin. The intricate interlocking design patterns often mirrored screens found in the Ethiopian church. Often incised icons and holy insignia would adorn the staffs.

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Dimensions: 9 1/2 inches tall x 3 1/2 inches wide.  

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