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Central Ethiopia Eastern and Southern Africa

Cross

Mid–/late 15th century
Copper, bronze, and brass
36.9 × 22.9 cm (14.5 × 9 in)

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In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

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FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

In Ethiopian Christianity processional crosses in wood or metal are carried on tall wooden staffs and draped with rich fabrics during festivals and ceremonies. The blank area in the center of this example, which incorporates copper for the decorative finial, bronze for the shaft, and brass for the joining rivets, may have been intended for an image that was never realized. The stylized bird heads on the sides of the shaft are a symbol of Christ’s resurrection.

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