Processional Cross

Description The body of this piece is constructed of a pattern of interlocking circles. The incised lines at the intersection of vertical and horizontal elements create thirteen small crosses out of the interlaced design of the body. Three larger crosses spring forth at the top and terminal ends of the cross, defining the cruciform shape of the entire object. The complicated interlace design is found in Ethiopian manuscript illumination associated with the Stephanite order at the end of the 15th century.

Conservation

Date	Description	Narrative
7/01/2019	Examination	examined for technical study

Exhibitions

• Realms of Faith: Medieval and Byzantine Art from the Walters Art Museum. Frist Center for the Visual Arts, Nashville. 2002-2005.
• Angels of Light: Ethiopian Art from the Walters Art Museum. Birmingham Museum of Art, Birmingham; Smith College Museum of Art, Northampton; Museum of Biblical Art, New York. 2006-2007.

Provenance S. Belay; Nancy and Robert Nooter Collection, Washington, D.C., 1988; Walters Art Museum, 1997, by gift.

Credit Gift of Nancy and Robert Nooter, 1997