18th Century Ethiopian Processional Cross

A large and graphically stunning Fante asafo flag. Fante flags represent the merger of two cultural traditions, the Akan tradition of combining pro...

A large and graphically stunning asafo flag. Fante flags represent the merger of two cultural traditions, the Akan tradition of combining proverbs with ...

This magnificent gold bracelet was made for Ashanti royalty. The Ashanti Kingdom's wealth was significantly based on gold-mining and trading in gold, as well as agriculture. The ki...

The Shi peoples are agriculturalists living on the shores of Lake Kivu in D.R. Congo. Artistically they are best known for their distinctively carved cups and pitchers...

Siberian Eskimo people were introduced to tobacco in the 17th century, acquiring it from European traders in exchange for furs. Pipes based on European models, such as this example, ...

A Polynesian hardwood Ula tavatava or throwing war club Fiji, probably 18th century All-over decorated in incised pattern, the bulbous top seems to have a stone grown into it. H. 42 cm Including museum-quality powder-coated stand. Provenance: Private collection, France Polynesian culture is traditionally a culture of power and prestige, and there was a fine line between battle and ceremony. Warrior people par excellence, the Fijians had at their disposal a large panoply of weapons, each for a specific use. The elegant Gata are called gun-sticks by Europeans due to the recognizable form. However, they are designed after a snake, gata in Fijian language. The Ula throwing clubs...

This large, impressive nineteenth-century Ethiopian throne, from the Wollega Oromo culture, features a high, upright back-rest. An attractive cut-ou...

This late nineteenth-century headrest, from the Oromo culture in Ethiopia, displays a rare form. Above a triangular-shaped base, the curved, crescent-shaped neck rest features four c...

Ethiopian Procession Cross: A Sacred Heritage and Craftsmanship. Structure and Composition: This finely crafted Ethiopian procession cross is rich in iconographic detail. Constructed from metal, likely bronze or brass, it features a complex structure with several decorative elements. - Central Part: • Madonna and Child: At the heart of the cross is a depiction of the Virgin Mary holding the Child Jesus. This central image is framed within a circle adorned with openwork motifs and small inlays that appear to be precious stones or colored glass pieces. Arms of the Cross: • Angelic Musicians: Each lateral arm of the cross features an angelic musician, playing instruments and depicted in a flying position. The angels are finely detailed, with spread wings and carefully sculpted garments. • Cherub: At the apex of the cross, a cherub is depicted, a celestial being with multiple wings and surrounded by cloud-like motifs. • Bird Motifs: The lower extremities of the cross are adorned with bird motifs, likely doves, symbolizing peace and the Holy Spirit, placed within openwork circles. Base and Handle: • Engraved Base: The base of the cross, which serves as a handle, is also richly engraved with floral and geometric motifs, providing a sturdy and decorative grip for processions. History of Ethiopian Procession Crosses Origins and Evolution: Ethiopian procession crosses have a long history, dating back to the introduction of Christianity to Ethiopia in the 4th century under King Ezana. Influenced by Coptic and Byzantine traditions, these crosses evolved to adopt a distinctive style unique to Ethiopia. - Characteristics: • Style and Iconography: Ethiopian crosses...