processional Christian cross
Nationality Ethiopian
Creation date about 1900
Materials brass, silver plating
Dimensions 17 1/4 x 14 x 1 1/2 in.
Credit line E. Hardy Adriance Fine Arts Acquisition Fund in memory of Marguerite Hardy Adriance
Accession number 1998.72
http://www.imamuseum.org/explore/artwork/28309

The Christian Church in Ethiopia, which became the established church in the 4th century, offers a variety of crosses. Processional crosses, the largest and most elaborate type, have a hollow shaft so that they may be mounted on tall poles and carried by priests during religious ceremonies. These crosses are often decorated with bright colored cloths that allow people to see them clearly, thus becoming a symbolic marker to be followed by the faithful.

This hand-held cross belonged to chiefs. The square base on both the wooden and the brass hand-held cross seen here allude to the tomb of Adam as well as the tomb from which Christ arose, symbolizing a rebirth of humanity. On the wooden cross, the human figures on each side of the handle illustrate the belief that Adam, the man, and Christ, who represents a "new" man, are connected.