Tribally Repaired Antique Ethiopian Orthodox Christian Cross Pendant, Ethiopia

Description

This is an antique, handmade, authentic, Ethiopian Coptic Christian cross pendant which measures 2.97 inches long by 1.73 inches wide.
Worn rustic condition. This pendant has been worn more than one lifetime. The bail was completely worn or broken off and was repaired by an Ethiopian Metalsmith by applying a new metal bail to this antique cross. The cross also shows evidence of beads rubbing against the sides next to the bail.
This Ethiopian cross is still stringable and wearable
. This is an amazing tribally used / worn specimen.
This is a rare antique silver pendant from Ethiopia which is very desirable and would look great used in jewelry applications or would fit right into any Ethiopian collection.
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Ethiopian Christians have worn neck crosses for over 1,600 years and the symbolic art of the cross is a very important part of their religious life which expresses their love, belief and devotion to God.
Hardly any silver was mined in Ethiopia therefore the Maria Theresa Thaler silver coin served as the primary source of silver used by Ethiopian metalsmiths to create articles of jewelry such as this antique Ethiopian Coptic Christian neck cross. The different designs of Ethiopian cross pendants represent towns or areas of the Ethiopian highlands. These antique silver crosses are either cast by the lost wax method using melted Maria Theresa Thaler coins or cut right from a Maria Theresa Thaler coin. These antique Ethiopian Coptic crosses were worn a lifetime and passed down through generations and were often repaired by the metalsmiths when needed.