Cross Item Number: 2189/20 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Cross composed of wood and metal with a narrow metal stem with a wider sphere at its centre and a circular three-tiered metal base. The arms of the cross are ornamented with metal bands of bas-relief geometric decoration as well as two ornamental fan or floral decorative elements at the inner corners of one side. The corners of the cross are emphasized by red glass beads, as are the ends of the arms and the tip of the cross. The wooden centre of the cross depicts a crucifixion on the face and two figures on the reverse, both carved in bas-relief.
Narrative
During WWI Leary was in Cyprus where he served as a government advisor in army operations (1917-1918). He made his collection of antiquities during this time, but the provenance of the cross is unknown. Possibly North African or Ottoman?
Item History
- Made in Ethiopia ? during 1918
- Owned by Sid Leary before 1950
- Owned by Florence Leary between 1950 and June 1957
- Received from Florence Leary (Donor) during June 1957
What
Who
- Culture
- North African ?
- Previous Owner
- Sid Leary and Florence Leary
- Received from
- Florence Leary (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Ethiopia ?
When
- Creation Date
- during 1918
- Ownership Date
- before 1950 and between 1950 and June 1957
- Acquisition Date
- during June 1957
Other
- Item Classes
- metalwork
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 2189/0020