African jewelry: Christianity was established in the Ethiopian highlands as early as the 4th century. For over 1600 years Christian Ethiopians have worn neck crosses as a symbol of faith. The cross was suspended around the neck by a cotton blue cord called a “mateb” which was received at baptism. Jewelry wise, the cross is the most prized personal possession and most valued to collectors of all highland selections.The crosses are usually named from the region that they originate. The crosses feature various design styling from the simplistic Greek or Latin crucifix to the more elaborate with flared arms, trefoils, decorative projections, complicated openwork designing and patterns of interwoven lines symbolizing eternity. Hinges and crowns show the later influence of 19th century European medals. Our offerings are hand cast and made from a silver/nickel alloy. See each cross individualy below! A leather cord is included with each cross! Please note that our crosses are older than most on the market! The Ethiopian cross is also made in a larger hand held model that is carried in religious processions. Please visit our "Tribal Works" section to view the larger processional crosses. Please click photo for enlargement! See Order buttons below. When OFFLINE click button to leave a message! |
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| Please click for more information on Ethiopia. |
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| This cross is from the north eastern Wollo historical region. Sold Dimensions: 2 inches long x 1 5/8 inches wide Please click photo for enlargement! |
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| This cross is from the northern Lalibela province. Lalibela is one of the holiest cities in Ethiopia and is the center of pilgrimage for much of the country. Dimensions: 2 1/4 inches long x 1 1/2 inches wide Please click photo for enlargement! Sold. |
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| This larger cross is from the city of Gonder which was founded in the year 1635. Sold Dimensions: 2 inches long x 1 inch wide Please click photo for enlargement! |
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| This cross is from the Gonder province and features a motif known as the Star of David. The cross is worn by Ethiopian Jews known locally as Felasha. Sold Dimensions: 2 3/4 inches long x 1 1/2 inches wide Please click photo for enlargement! |
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| This cross features classic Gojam province styling. The north western city of Gojam was mentioned in a manuscript dated back in 1309. Dimensions: 2 1/4 inches long x 2 inches wide Please click photo for enlargement! |
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| This cross is from the northern Axum province named after the "Kingdom of Aksum" which was reffered to in medieval times as "Ethiopia". The cross features a Christian styled cross motif at its center.This capital city was the first place in Ethiopia to adopt a new religion, Christianity. According to the Old Testament, The Queen of Sheba was born in Axum but travelled to Israel to meet King Solomon. They had a son named Menelik, who later became the first emperor of Ethiopia. Menelik brought the original Arc of the Covenant back to Ethiopia from Israel. Today, the Arc, which once housed the Ten Commandments, remains well hidden in Axum. Dimensions: 2 1/2 inches long x 1 1/2 inches wide Please click photo for enlargement! |
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| This cross features classic north eastern Wollo historical region design. Sold Dimensions: 2 inches tall x 1 1/2 inches wide Please click photo for enlargement! |
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| This cross features classic Gojam province styling. The north western city of Gojam was mentioned in a manuscript dated back in 1309. Dimensions: 2 1/2 inches long x 1 1/2 inch wide Please click photo for enlargement! |
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| This cross is known as a "Hake" cross meaning cross from the lake (lake Tana.) It features a moveable top hinged section. Sold Dimensions: 3 inches tall x 2 inches wide Please click photo for enlargement! |
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| This cross features Gojam province Christian cross design. The north western city of Gojam was mentioned in a manuscript dated back in 1309. Dimensions: 2 1/2 inches tall x 1 3/4 inch wide Please click photo for enlargement! |
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| This cross is from the Gonder province and features a motif known as the Star of David. The cross is worn by Ethiopian Jews known locally as Felasha. Dimensions: 1 1/2 inches long x 3/4 of an inch wide. Please click photo for enlargement! |
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| This cross is from the northern Lalibela province. Lalibela is one of the holiest cities in Ethiopia and is the center of pilgrimage for much of the country. Sold Dimensions: 2 3/4 inches long x 1 1/4 inch wide Please click photo for enlargement! |
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| This larger eleborate cross is from the city of Gonder which was founded in the year 1635. It features a Christian style motif at the center with a crowned hinged movable top section. The detailing is extensive and it was entirely hand hammered. Please click photo for enlargement! Dimensions: The entire cross is 4 1/2 inches long x 2 1/2 inches wide. The hinged section alone measures 2 1/4 inches long. |
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| This cross is from the northern Axum province named after the "Kingdom of Aksum" which was reffered to in medieval times as "Ethiopia". The cross features a Christian styled cross motif at its center.This capital city was the first place in Ethiopia to adopt a new religion, Christianity. According to the Old Testament, The Queen of Sheba was born in Axum but travelled to Israel to meet King Solomon. They had a son named Menelik, who later became the first emperor of Ethiopia. Menelik brought the original Arc of the Covenant back to Ethiopia from Israel. Today, the Arc, which once housed the Ten Commandments, remains well hidden in Axum. Please click photo for enlargement! Sold Dimensions: 2 1/4 inches long x 1 1/2 inches wide |
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| This cross features Gojam province styling. The north western city of Gojam was mentioned in a manuscript dated back in 1309. Dimensions: 2 inches long x 1 1/2 inches wide Please click photo for enlargement! Sold |
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| This cross is from the northern Axum province named after the "Kingdom of Aksum" which was reffered to in medieval times as "Ethiopia". The cross features a Christian styled cross motif at its center.This capital city was the first place in Ethiopia to adopt a new religion, Christianity. According to the Old Testament, The Queen of Sheba was born in Axum but travelled to Israel to meet King Solomon. They had a son named Menelik, who later became the first emperor of Ethiopia. Menelik brought the original Arc of the Covenant back to Ethiopia from Israel. Today, the Arc, which once housed the Ten Commandments, remains well hidden in Axum. Dimensions: 2 1/4 inches long x 1 1/4 inches wide Please click photo for enlargement! |
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| This larger cross is from the city of Gonder which was founded in the year 1635. Dimensions: 2 inches tall x 1 1/4 inches across Please click photo for enlargement! Sold |
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| This larger cross is from the city of Gonder which was founded in the year 1635. It features a Christian style motif at the center with a hinged movable top section. Dimensions: 3 inches long x 2 inches wide Please click photo for enlargement! |
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| The cross features Gojam province styling. The north western city of Gojam was mentioned in a manuscript dated back in 1309. This Gojam cross has a very simplistic styling typical of the older crosses that are not readily found today. Sold Dimensions: 2 inches long x 1 1/2 inches wide Please click photo for enlargement! |
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| This cross features Gojam province styling. The north western city of Gojam was mentioned in a manuscript dated back in 1309. Sold Dimensions: 2 1/4 inches long x 2 inches wide Please click photo for enlargement! |
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| This cross features Gojam province styling. The north western city of Gojam was mentioned in a manuscript dated back in 1309. Sold Dimensions: 2 1/2 inches long x 2 inches wide Please click photo for enlargement! |
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