Processional Cross
(Ethiopia)
This rare, early cross is composed of two central crosses enclosed within a pear-shaped frame. A similar pear-shaped cross in Addis Ababa (capital of modern Ethiopia) has at its center the crucified Christ, reflecting the larger meaning of the "pear" shape as a type of "mandorla" (almond-shaped halo) used to glorify images of the Lord.
Provenance
Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object.
Knopfelmacher Collection [Knopfelmacher 1], New York; William Wright Gallery, New York; Walters Art Museum, 1996, by purchase.
Exhibitions
2006-2007 | 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. |
1997 | Art that Heals: The Image as Medicine in Ethiopia. Museum for African Art, New York; The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. |
1996 | Ethiopian Art at The Walters. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. |
Geographies
Ethiopia, Lasta (Place of Origin)
Measurements
H: 13 3/4 x WL 6 1/4 in. (34.92 x 15.87 cm)
Credit Line
Museum purchase with funds provided by the W. Alton Jones Foundation Acquisition Fund, 1996
Location in Museum
Not on view
Accession Number
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
54.2889