Pendant Cross with Crown and Star of David
Amhara
Brooklyn Museum photograph
Object Label
Ethiopian Crosses
Christianity most likely arrived in Ethiopia in the first century. The conversion of King Ezana in 330 c.e. led to its official acceptance and the minting of coins bearing one of the earliest uses of the cross as a Christian symbol. Although the silver pendant crosses in the Museum’s collection are from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, their forms have a considerably longer history, as the much older copper, wood, and iron crosses here demonstrate.
Hand crosses, which are used by priests, are either hand-held or suspended from a cord around the neck. They are kissed by the faithful to receive a blessing. Processional crosses are carried on long poles in religious processions. Prayer staffs are used to mark rhythms during sacred dances and as supports to lean on while standing for long hours during Orthodox church services. Together, all of these crosses are emblems of the Ethiopian Orthodox church’s ongoing authority.
Christianity most likely arrived in Ethiopia in the first century. The conversion of King Ezana in 330 c.e. led to its official acceptance and the minting of coins bearing one of the earliest uses of the cross as a Christian symbol. Although the silver pendant crosses in the Museum’s collection are from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, their forms have a considerably longer history, as the much older copper, wood, and iron crosses here demonstrate.
Hand crosses, which are used by priests, are either hand-held or suspended from a cord around the neck. They are kissed by the faithful to receive a blessing. Processional crosses are carried on long poles in religious processions. Prayer staffs are used to mark rhythms during sacred dances and as supports to lean on while standing for long hours during Orthodox church services. Together, all of these crosses are emblems of the Ethiopian Orthodox church’s ongoing authority.
Caption
Amhara. Pendant Cross with Crown and Star of David, 19th or 20th century. Silver, 2 3/8 x 1 3/8 in. (6.0 x 3.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of George V. Corinaldi Jr., 79.72.6. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Culture
Title
Pendant Cross with Crown and Star of David
Date
19th or 20th century
Geography
Place made: Amhara Region, Ethiopia
Medium
Silver
Classification
Dimensions
2 3/8 x 1 3/8 in. (6.0 x 3.5 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of George V. Corinaldi Jr.
Accession Number
79.72.6
Frequent Art Questions
This has the Star of David, is there any indication of a connection with East African Jewish heritage?
Hi, good eye and great question! The Ethopian Orthodox Church, the religion that this pendant comes from, has existed since 330 CE and throughout it's long history has been influenced by a multitude of religions. Christianity and Judaism are very prominent in the teachings and symbols of the religion, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church places emphasis on the Hebrew Bible, and even the Egyptian Coptic church, have remained somewhat significant. So yes, there is certainly a connection there.I see, thanks!You're very welcome! Feel free to send other questions you have as you explore the Museum today.
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