Ethiopian Coptic Cross, Based

Held up by a priest, in blessing. Carried through the street. Worn by the faithful.

Crosses lie at the heart of Ethiopian Orthodox devotion, and this one, silver alloy, was made in the 20th century. The diamond-shaped head is pierced in an intricate openwork of circles, interlace and small cross terminals, with a central rosette. A slender shaft, incised with a running pattern, descends to an eight-pointed star decorated with woven lattice. Soft silvery tone, darker in the openwork.

Thirteen inches tall on a simple black base. Light passes through it and arrives improved.