Ethiopian crosses, Abyssinian crosses, or Ethiopian-Eritrean crosses are a grouping of Christian cross variants that are symbols of Christianity in Ethiopia, Eritrea, and among Ethiopians and Eritreans. Their elaborate, stylized design is markedly distinct from other Christian cross variants.[1][2] Ethiopian crosses are almost always made from elaborate latticework, the intertwined lattice represents everlasting life.[3] No two crosses are exactly identical in style, the artisans who make them being allowed the freedom to exercise a measure of individual taste and creativity in their choice of shape and pattern. Crosses may be of the processional type with a socket at the base so they may be mounted on a staff and carried in church ceremonies or hand-held blessing crosses used by priests in benedictions.[4]
Gallery
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Brass, latticework processional cross (socketed for staff) from Amhara Region, mid 20th century.
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Brass, latticework processional cross (socketed for staff) latticework reminiscent of Celtic knot-work, Amhara Region, mid 20th century.
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Processional cross (socketed for staff) more open and figurative style ( less abstract than previous examples ).
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Ethiopian Orthodox priest holding golden blessing cross, Church of St. George, Lalibela, Ethiopia.
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Lalibela's cross
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Eritrean Orthodox Cross
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Christian cross from Ethiopia
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Ethiopian handheld crosses, 18th-20th century, brass silver and wood, Dallas Museum of Art
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Ethiopian Processional Christian Cross.
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A priest stands with the Lalibela Cross after blessing Sunday worshippers.
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See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Stanlislaw Chojnacki with Caroline Gossage, Ethiopian Crosses, (London: Skira, 2006). ISBN 88-7624-831-5 (book review)
- ^ Mario di Salvo, Crosses of Ethiopia, 2006
- ^ "The Ethiopian Cross". www.seiyaku.com. Retrieved 16 October 2016.
- ^ "The Ethiopian Cross". R·Seitz: Talisman. Retrieved 16 October 2016.
