Cross Item Number: Ca47 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Cross pendant with a circular shape composed of perforated shapes and a series of three-pointed protrusions surrounding a central circle with an equal sided cross. The pendant is hinged to a plated brass loop, and the chain it hangs from alternates plain and twisted wire links.
History Of Use
The Amhara Christians of the highlands wore crosses as a religious symbol. The three kinds of crosses found in Ethiopia are staff-mounted crosses, hand crosses and cross pendants. This is a cross pendant. While staff-mounted crosses and hand crosses are used by male priests or monks in religious processions, ceremonies and other ecclesiastical uses, pendants are commonly used by lay people. They can be worn by any Christian individual regardless of age or sex. These pendants are usually made of metal, wood or leather and are often given to individuals at their baptism, to be worn on necklaces close to the chest or neck.
Cultural Context
religion
Item History
- Made in Ethiopia before 1974
- Collected during 1974
- Owned by Lemma Admasu before December 27, 1979
- Received from Lemma Admasu (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Donations Fund (Funding source) on December 27, 1979
What
Who
- Culture
- Amhara
- Previous Owner
- Lemma Admasu
- Received from
- Lemma Admasu (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Donations Fund (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Ethiopia
When
- Creation Date
- before 1974
- Collection Date
- during 1974
- Ownership Date
- before December 27, 1979
- Acquisition Date
- on December 27, 1979
Other
- Item Classes
- metalwork
- Condition
- fair
- Current Location
- Case 100
- Accession Number
- 0587/0015