The cross is undoubtedly the most important symbol of the Christian religion. In Ethiopia, its representation reaches the highest level of complexity and sophistication. Crosses are everywhere: crowning churches, but also on top of private houses, around the neck as pendants, embroidered in dresses, even tattooed on faces and bodies.

An Ethiopian cross is made of wood, stone, iron, bronze, copper, brass, silver, or gold. It can be of any size, from a small pendant to a large processional cross, or a hand cross held by a priest, kissed and venerated by believers.

From its early Byzantine origin, each region of Ethiopia has developed its own and distinctive archetype, motifs, and unmistakable shape: Axum, Gondar, Lalibela…

The crosses presented here, made of bronze, brass, copper alloy, are processional crosses venerated by the faithful, held by priests, and fitted on sticks during Ethiopian religious festivals.