Pendant Cross (Primary Title)
Neck Cross (Alternate Title)
Unknown (Artist)
As a sign of faith and for personal protection, believers often wear a cross suspended from a cord, called a matäb, which is received at baptism. The tradition dates from the 15th century, when Emperor Zär’a Ya’eqob decreed that all Christians should wear crosses. These handsome works illustrate the diversity of design and craftsmanship characteristic of numerous local traditions.
From the Robert and Nancy Nooter Collection, Adolph D. and Wilkins C. Williams Fund
Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC
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