Gemstone Group

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. 600 grams, 43 cm high (50.7 cm high including stand)



Acquired from Owen Hargreaves, 2003. UK private collection.

The 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.

A group of ancient Roman style glass vessels: a horn-shaped vessel with animal head base and conical foot, with iridescent surfaces; a boot-shaped vessel with anklet, flared neck and suspension loops. 206 grams total, 11.2-15.5 cm high



German collection formed before 2000. Ex private European collection.

A bifacial gold bead with twisted filigree frame to each flat face, gold cell and inset turquoise teardrop. 0.51 grams, 8 mm

Fine condition.

Acquired 1980s-1990s. North London, UK, collection.