Ethiopian Coptic Cross Pendant - Tribal Pendant with Incised Design
Ethiopian Coptic cross pendant in silvery mixed metals with incised design. While the Coptic cross is a symbol of Christianity in Ethiopia and Eritrea, the elaborate, stylized cross design is markedly distinct from other Christian cross variants and is said to have derived from the Egyptian hieroglyph Ankh, meaning life.
Coptic crosses are highly detailed with open work designs and incised detailing. The Coptic cross represents perseverance, solidarity, and everlasting life as well as a religious affiliation. Each piece is different, and could include new and old designs, often combining them. This piece is most highly detailed on the front, but the back has a bit of incising as well. Our new mixed metals Coptic cross pendants are made in Ethiopia by tribal craftsmen.
The different cultural influences that concentrate in the Horn of Africa have made Ethiopia ethnically and culturally diverse and have brought about the emergence of specific art traditions in jewelry. Traditional materials that have been used for centuries here include silver, gold, bronze, ivory and amber. Jewelry is part of a complex system of defining ethnic or class affiliation, or is part of the equally complex system of magical thought. Ethiopian civilization was for many centuries cut off by nearly inaccessible geography but still has absorbed and transformed ideas from distant lands. Designs and materials from African regions, the Saudi peninsula and even as far away as the Baltics and Europe all made contributions to Ethiopian jewelry.
Item No. JPX0112
Length: 3.5 inches from top of bale to bottom of pendant
Width: 2-1/8 inches across
Materials: Mixed Metals
Metal Color: Silvery
Metal Finish: Unpolished but slightly shiny
Attachment: Bale at the top
Additional Info: Incised details. The back of this pendant has a bit of detail as well.
Country of Origin: Ethiopia
Condition: New
Please check photos carefully for condition. You will receive the exact piece(s) shown in the photos on this page. This is a new piece that has been brought to you from Ethiopia. Although it is "new" and not previously used, it may have traveled through many hands to reach you and it’s condition may reflect that journey.
A NOTE ON THE CONDITION OF TRIBAL ITEMS: Our new jewelry is tribal jewelry or newly made jewelry from tribal craftsmen in faraway lands. The condition of our items will reflect their prior travels through many hands before arriving at The Red Camel. Even with new pieces, there may be small flaws here and there that reflect their journey. We do our best to describe any such flaws that may be present, and we encourage you to read the full description and look at all photos closely to judge the condition of the item for yourself and know exactly what you are ordering. If you have questions about the condition of any item, please ask!
