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LOT 0371
Ethiopian Maskal of Kernebege Type Hand Cross with Inscription
17TH-18TH CENTURY A.D.
16 1/1 in. (20 in. including stand) (600 grams, 43 cm high (50.7 cm high including stand)).
A bifacial wooden cross comprising intertwined elements with trefoil finials, resting on a tall stem decorated with wavy lines enclosed within a geometric frame, the stem resting on a tabula with an inscription on the front and vegetal decorative element on the back, rhomboidal termination with inscribed cross on both sides; mounted on a custom-made display stand.
ProvenanceAcquired from Owen Hargreaves, 2003.
UK private collection.
Cf. Korabiewicz, W., The Ethiopian cross, Addis Ababa, 1973, fig.66.
FootnotesThe Ethiopian manual cross is usually divided in three parts: the cross at the top; the handle; and a square element, the tablet, at the base. It is not easy to define the origin of the cross-borne tablets. There are three suppositions as to what they signify: according to one, the tablet represents the earth with its four corners. According to the second one, the tablet represents Adam's grave on Calvary. The third one is that it represents the Tabot, the highest relic of Ethiopia, the Ark of the Covenant. The cross belongs to the Kernebege (Horns of Ram) group, where the tips of the cross are reminiscent of ram's horns or trefoils. Inscriptions are only very rarely found on wooden, manual crosses like this maskal. They usually give the name of the owner or donor.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0371
Ethiopian Maskal of Kernebege Type Hand Cross with Inscription
Sold for (Inc. bp): £520
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A fragment of Roman mosaic glass set into a later gilt ring with hexagonal bezel. 9.29 grams, 31.38 mm overall, 18.37 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)
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A dynamic horse and mounted St George figure in wood; the helmetted rider with billowing cloak; gesso and polychrome; approximately half life-size; mounted on an elaborate custom-made display stand; repaired. 76 kg, 1.77 m high including stand
English private collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11672-199837.
Likely derived from a religious scene. The timber shows some old insect flight holes and we are advised that this piece has been recently treated with Permethrin, as a precaution. -
Post Medieval 'Thames' John Duncombe of London Pewter Plate
Early 18th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £26
A pewter plate bearing worn stamps to the reverse and a label reading 'John Duncombe London'; initials stamped to upper face of rim 'M[ ]E'. 334 grams, 22 cm wide
Found on the Thames foreshore, London, UK. Acquired on the UK antiques market between 1974-1985. Albert Ward collection, Essex, UK.
