This brass processional cross originates from the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, one of the world’s oldest Christian traditions, with roots tracing back to the 4th century when Christianity was adopted as the state religion of the Aksumite Empire. Within this tradition, the cross is not simply a symbol of Christ’s sacrifice, but the most important emblem of the faith itself, an ever-present sign of blessing, protection, and divine presence.
 
Carried by priests during liturgies, feast days, and major festivals such as Meskel (the Finding of the True Cross) and Timket (Epiphany), processional crosses like this one would be mounted on a long wooden staff and raised high for congregations to see. The act of lifting the cross is itself a ritual gesture, signifying that the community gathers under the guardianship of God.
 
The design demonstrates the distinctive artistry of Ethiopian cross-making: intricate openwork patterns of interlacing lines and smaller crosses fill the form, transforming solid metal into a visual metaphor of eternity and the interconnectedness of heaven and earth. These patterns were never purely ornamental. The endless knots and geometric forms express a theological truth. That divine life is continuous, without beginning or end. The lattice-like style is also characteristic of regional Ethiopian traditions, with variations tied to places like Gondar, Lalibela, and Tigray, each carrying local histories of devotion.
 
The flared base was crafted to fit securely into a wooden staff, allowing the cross to be carried in solemn procession or presented to the faithful for blessings. Beyond ceremonial use, these crosses embody the deep continuity of Ethiopian Christian culture, passed down for centuries through both liturgical practice and artisanal craftsmanship. They are at once sacred objects and works of art, bearing witness to a faith that has endured and evolved while remaining uniquely Ethiopian.