Representative cross for Ethiopian and Eritrean Orthodox church
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
Brass, latticework processional cross (socketed for staff) from
Amhara Region, mid 20th century.
Brass, latticework processional cross (socketed for staff) latticework reminiscent of Celtic knot-work,
Amhara Region, mid 20th century.
Processional cross (socketed for staff) more open and figurative style ( less abstract than previous examples ).