Coptic Ethiopia // Large Silver Processional Cross

Coptic Ethiopia, 18th to 19th century AD. An excellent, large silver processional cross. An ornate large silver cross, composed of intertwining openwork patterns, with three crosses at the three points and a large cross design at the center, composed of multiple connected smaller crosses. The shaft is a tall, conical channel. H: 13.5”, W: 7.5”. Made of very debased, low-purity silver. Ex New York City private collection. *** Following the persecution during the Coptic period in ancient Egypt, Christians moved the church to sanctuary in Ethiopia where it continued to flourish for hundreds of years. It is even said that the holy Ark of the Covenant was secreted away to a church in Ethiopia--and is still secretly guarded there to this day. Accompanied by a hand-signed certificate of authenticity which includes all the details, culture, dating, motifs/inscriptions when applicable, historical relevance, and provenance.