Scroll or pinch to deep-zoom · powered by IIIF

Hand cross

Ethiopian Orthodox

Ethiopian Orthodox priests bestow blessings on the faithful with hand crosses. The square at the base of this one symbolizes both the Ark of the Covenant (believed to have come to Ethiopia from Jerusalem) and the tomb of Adam (thought to have been at the foot of Christ's cross). The form of this "Havaria" cross, with a cross intersecting a circle, might have been introduced from the desert monasteries of Egypt. Years of handling and abrasion from the priest's robes contributed to the worn surface.

Date

ca. 16th-17th century

Type

Sculpture

Medium

Wood

Department

NMAfA

Institution

National Museum of African Art

Object number

nmafa_2002-21-1

Credit

Gift from Merton D. Simpson in memory of Alan Brandt