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. Learn more about provenance at the Walters.
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
Centre Street: Third Floor: Byzantine, Russian, and Ethiopian Icons
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