Cross (2) - Coptic - silver alloy - 1990-2000 - Meskel - hand cross
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Selected by Clément Floch
Has 20 years of experience trading curios, including 15 years with a leading French dealer.
Estimate € 200 - € 250
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Description from the seller
Set of 2 priestly handheld crosses, 'Meskel', from Ethiopia. The crosses come from the Amhara region, with the smaller one specifically from Lalibela.
Every Ethiopian priest has a hand cross (Meskel in Amharic) with which he blesses the faithful. Because a priest holds the cross for an extended period, the hand cross must be lightweight and easy to carry. They usually consist of three parts: the cross itself, the shaft, and the base. The base serves as a counterweight for the cross. The cross is handcrafted using the lost-wax method and is a unique piece. The oldest hand crosses are sometimes over 1,000 years old. The material used for these very old crosses is almost always copper. Since the 18th century, alloys with other metals, such as brass and silver, have been found. These crosses are made from a silver alloy.
Dimensions: 30 x 6 x 0.8 cm and 26 x 9 x 1.3 cm.
Seller's Story
Rootz Gallery has an extensive collection of remarkable art objects from the non-Western world and a collection of modern and contemporary art. The art collection originally started with the gathering of modern and contemporary art. Due to a long-standing fascination with other cultures, it was quickly expanded to include non-Western art objects. The gallery has primarily focused on non-Western art for a long time, but has recently also refocused on modern and contemporary art.
Many pieces originate from ritual contexts and have been carefully collected over a period of 40 years. The items, often acquired during travels and coming from old collections, offer a unique insight into authentic cultures and traditions.
Translated by Google TranslateSet of 2 priestly handheld crosses, 'Meskel', from Ethiopia. The crosses come from the Amhara region, with the smaller one specifically from Lalibela.
Every Ethiopian priest has a hand cross (Meskel in Amharic) with which he blesses the faithful. Because a priest holds the cross for an extended period, the hand cross must be lightweight and easy to carry. They usually consist of three parts: the cross itself, the shaft, and the base. The base serves as a counterweight for the cross. The cross is handcrafted using the lost-wax method and is a unique piece. The oldest hand crosses are sometimes over 1,000 years old. The material used for these very old crosses is almost always copper. Since the 18th century, alloys with other metals, such as brass and silver, have been found. These crosses are made from a silver alloy.
Dimensions: 30 x 6 x 0.8 cm and 26 x 9 x 1.3 cm.
Seller's Story
Rootz Gallery has an extensive collection of remarkable art objects from the non-Western world and a collection of modern and contemporary art. The art collection originally started with the gathering of modern and contemporary art. Due to a long-standing fascination with other cultures, it was quickly expanded to include non-Western art objects. The gallery has primarily focused on non-Western art for a long time, but has recently also refocused on modern and contemporary art.
Many pieces originate from ritual contexts and have been carefully collected over a period of 40 years. The items, often acquired during travels and coming from old collections, offer a unique insight into authentic cultures and traditions.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Era
1900-2000
Specific region of origin
Lalibela en Amhara
Title additional information
Meskel - hand cross
No. of items
2
Material
Coptic - silver alloy
Country of Origin
Ethiopia
Ethnic group/ culture
Amhara
Height
30 cm
Width
6 cm
Sold with stand
No
Depth
0.8 cm
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Estimated Period
1990-2000
Sold by
