Post Medieval Gold Heart Bead with Turquoise

A hollow-formed bronze head of a middle-aged man with tousled hair, stern features, pursed mouth; mounted on a custom-made stand. 5.4 kg total, 39 cm high including stand



French collection, 1960s-early 2000s. From an important Paris gallery, France.

A copper-alloy medallion: obverse depicting a Roman soldier standing on laurel leaves, dragging a barbarian, 'SVVS[ ] SAL S[ ]' legend around; reverse showing bearded male head in profile left, with detailing to hair and face. 264 grams, 96 mm wide



Acquired 1969-1999. London collection of the late Mr S.M., thence by descent.

A bifacial bronze Yämäṩor Mäsqäl processional cross finial with later replaced socket, flanking bird motifs and dense block of tendrils and wheels with seven cross-shaped finials, central panel with Virgin Mary, Holy Child and angels to the front, saints and Evangelists to the back. 55 grams, 26 cm (37.5 cm including stand)



Acquired on the London art market, 2006. UK private collection.

In contrast with the hand cross that is fitted with a grip, the processional cross has a hollow shaft into which the pole supporting the cross is inserted, although the use of both is interconnected in the liturgy and ceremonial aspects of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. In Amharic it received the name of yämäṩor mäsqäl or "cross to [carry] on a pole", the term mäṩor also meaning a wooden handle. Processional crosses are used on "every qaddase day" occasions - an expression meaning whenever the liturgy is performed. This includes displaying the cross during the reading of the Gospels and other sacred texts, as well as holding it up to be viewed at the end of the service for the final blessing.