Procession Cross Item Number: 1262/293 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
An elaborately carved cross-shaped wood piece.
History Of Use
The three kinds of crosses found in Ethiopia are staff-mounted crosses, hand crosses and cross pendants. This is a procession, or hand, cross. While pendant crosses are commonly worn by Christian lay people of any sex or age, hand crosses are owned by clerics, monks, or dabtaras. Dabtaras are educated clerics within the Ethiopian Orthodox Church who practice magic, holding hand crosses during rituals. Priests within the Ethiopian Orthodox Church often carry small hand crosses which are passed on from father to son. They hold them close to their chest when photographed or in religious ceremonies. Congregations also kiss hand crosses in order to receive blessings when they greet the priest. Priests reserve the use of larger hand crosses for the liturgy. Monks also may use hand crosses to bless other Christians. They are usually made of wood or metal.
Item History
- Made in Ethiopia
- Owned by Julia Tecson and Miguel Tecson before November 16, 1987
- Received from Julia Tecson (Donor) and Miguel Tecson (Donor) on November 16, 1987
What
Who
- Culture
- Ethiopian
- Previous Owner
- Julia Tecson and Miguel Tecson
- Received from
- Julia Tecson (Donor) and Miguel Tecson (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Ethiopia
When
- Ownership Date
- before November 16, 1987
- Acquisition Date
- on November 16, 1987
Other
- Item Classes
- carvings & sculpture
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 100
- Accession Number
- 1262/0293