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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.
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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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Ethiopian Processional Cross
17th-18th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £715
A bifacial wooden Qäqwami Mäsqäl processional cross, three-lobed extremities on three sides, decorated with geometric motifs representing crosses of different types, supported by a lanceolate shaft with two round openwork openings; socketted shaft with vertical grooves and fitted with a double horizontal groove; inscriptions on two of the lobed sides of the cross; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 600 grams, 42 cm high (49cm high including stand)
Acquired on the London art market, 2003. UK private collection.
The large wooden crosses are often used by ddbtdras, who are unordained members of the Orthodox Ethiopian clergy, for their liturgical dance. In the countryside, one or two of these crosses are kept on the church window-sills close to the area where the dance is performed, instead of being kept in the church storehouse. Sometimes they are mounted upon a shaft and worn in procession. The characteristic feature of a processional cross is a socketted shaft which serves for mounting them on a strong pole known as masor or handle. Although technically the shaft serves to support the cross, according to the interpretation of Ethiopian church scholars, its real function is to protect the cross from being touched. -
Large Glass Bead
19th-20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
A large opaque polychrome glass bead displaying a feathering effect with alternating blue and white bands, forming stylised flower heads at each end; central hole for suspension with yellow collar to both openings. 40 grams, 29 mm
Acquired 1969-1999. London collection of the late Mr S.M., thence by descent. -
Tudor 'Thames' Wire Butterfly Brooch with Dangles
Circa 16th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £20
A coiled wire 'butterfly' brooch or other jewellery piece, with beads representing the head and 'tail', four articulate dangles to the mid and lower body. 3.42 grams, 56 mm wide
Found on the Thames foreshore, London, UK. Acquired on the UK antiques market between 1974-1985. Albert Ward collection, Essex, UK.
