Post Medieval Silver Cross Pendant

A child carved naturalistically in relief in wood, enveloped in the folds of a woman's garment and cradled in her right arm and hand; remains of gesso, gilding and polychrome pigmentation; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 3.2 kg total, 42 cm high including stand



English private collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by searcher certificate number no.11674-199841.

A mixed group of lapis lazuli, carnelian and other gemstones with intaglio figures of Minerva, Triton and others. 6.63 grams total, 14-18 mm



English private collection.

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.