Ethiopian Cross

 

https://collectionapi.metmuseum.org/api/collection/v1/iiif/317877/654779/main-image

    In Ethiopia, Christianity was adopted in the fourth century by the Askumite emperor of Ezana. It is believed that Ezana wished to adopt Christianity because he was influenced by his desired relationship with the Roman Empire. The earliest examples of Christianity in Ethiopia come from coins that had crosses on them. Other examples of Christianity in Ethiopia are church architectures in Aksum, Matara, and Adulis. These buildings were very large and they consisted of a monumental set of stairs. The earliest churches of Askumite were assembled in a circular shape, but later churches follow those described in the Old Testament-- squared sanctuaries with two aisles running along the side. Churches in Ethiopia served the religious needs of administrative and military officials. This makes me wonder... Were Ethiopian churches not open to the public?

    Depicted above is an Ethiopian cross. Ethiopian crosses are very unique to the Christian culture because they come in a variety of shapes. For example, the cross above is not as simple as the one you and I are familiar with in the United States. However, if you look closely, you can see the widespread and simple cross sitting in the middle. This cross is served to be a great devotion to Christianity. The metal socket you see surrounded by two loops permitted this object to be carried during services and processions. The loops were also dressed in colorful cloth, which represented the veil of Mary. It is rare to find crosses from after the 17th century due to the Islamic invasions on the region. Although the cross depicted above is unique the the cross that I am familiar with, they both follow a similar shape: two long vertical arms two short arms on the side. It is believed that this cross/motif dates all the way back to the Askumite Empire, which occurred from the 2nd to the 10th century.

    Christianity is the religion that I am most familiar with and I think it is interesting that I am learning about this religion on the other side of the world and from many centuries ago. I wonder how Ethiopian practices were similar or different to the ones I know today. 

George, Emma Ross. “African Christianity in Ethiopia,” 2020. https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/acet/hd_acet.htm.