Ethiopian crosses, Abyssinian crosses, or Ethiopian-Eritrean crosses are a grouping of Christian cross variants that are symbols of Christianity in Ethiopia, Eritrea, and among Ethiopians and Eritreans. Their elaborate, stylized design is markedly distinct from other Christian cross variants .^[1][2] Ethiopian crosses are almost always made from elaborate latticework, the intertwined lattice represents everlasting life.^[3] No two crosses are exactly identical in style, the artisans who make them being allowed the freedom to exercise a measure of individual taste and creativity in their choice of shape and pattern. Crosses may be of the processional type with a socket at the base so they may be mounted on a staff and carried in church ceremonies or hand-held blessing crosses used by priests in benedictions.^[4]

Gallery

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  Brass, latticework processional cross (socketed for staff) from Amhara Region, mid 20th century.

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  Brass, latticework processional cross (socketed for staff) latticework reminiscent of Celtic knot-work, Amhara Region, mid 20th century.

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  Processional cross (socketed for staff) more open and figurative style ( less abstract than previous examples ).

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  Ethiopian Orthodox priest holding golden blessing cross, Church of St. George, Lalibela, Ethiopia.

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  Lalibela's cross

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  Eritrean Orthodox Cross

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  Christian cross from Ethiopia

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  Ethiopian handheld crosses, 18th-20th century, brass silver and wood, Dallas Museum of Art

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  "Tribal Silver Coptic Cross, Ethiopia." Photo by Ann Porteus from Tasmania, Australia.

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  Ethiopian Processional Christian Cross.

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  A priest stands with the Lalibela Cross after blessing Sunday worshippers.