Original Priest handcross 'Meskel' a very rare and large one! Priests wear handcrosses in order to bless the faithful, or in order to be kissed by the faithful. Therefore, handcrosses have to be light and easy to carry. They generally consist of three parts: from the cross itself, from the shaft and of the base, which is to act a counterbalance to the Cross. Every Ethiopian priest has a handcross (Meskel in Amharic) with which he bless the faithful.The Cross is handcraftet by the lost-wax method, and is a unique piece. The oldest hand crosses are sometimes more than 1000 years old, like the Meskel on the last photo. The material used for these very old ones is almost always copper. Ever since the 18th century, alloys with other metals have been found. From the 19th century silver was increasingly used in such an alloy. Material: an aloy of silver, copper and nickel. This meskel is silverplated. So what you see is all silver.' The city of Gondar once housed the emperors, kings, and queens of this land, as evidenced by the crumbling midievel castle ruins. In the centre of town lies one of Ethiopia's most famous churches, where the walls are painted with vivid depictions of biblical events and the roof above is covered in the faces of angels. Gondar is one of the best places to be during the religious festival of Timkat that takes place every January.