Small Ethiopian Processional Cross – Gondar Cross - Made of Nickel - Collectable

Normal.dotm 0 0 1 194 1109 Mekdes Hagos 9 2 1361 12.0 0 false 18 pt 18 pt 0 0 false false false This beautiful small processional cross is unusual. It is made to look and feel rough anduneven. However that is the beauty of this cross and it is perfect for someone whocollectsAfrican art. It is calledtheGondar cross because it is made inthe style of a cross from that region. There are three main province in Ethiopia religious crosses come from: Axum, Lalibella and Gondar­.It can be a unique home décor piece ina living room that has a rustic theme, or it could be placed in anyspacethat has an eclectic feel. It is a self-standing item that can be set on atable or shelf.Size: H 9” x W 5 3/4”Background and TechniqueDuring a festival celebration,a processional cross is mounted on wooden sticks and carried by a youngerpriest to a festival observance, such as Easter. The higher priest, celebrant, and the faithful follow theprocessional cross on a long route and sing songs and chant on their way to thefinal destination. Religious processional crosses are made and cast in various designs andsizes. An early technique used to cast these crosses is called the “lost-wax”method and still used. The lost-wax method allows only one design to be made ata time. Therefore, no two crosses are alike. The design of the crosses variesfrom region to region, and they are named for the region from which they come.The most popular are the Axum cross, the Lalibella cross, and the Gondar cross.