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Many Ethiopian crosses are made in the shape of a diamond, such as this example, which is incised with interlace motifs. The rectangle at the base of the handle represents a tabot, a wood or stone carving symbolizing the Ark of the Covenant and the tablet of the Ten Commandments, which according to Ethiopian tradition are located in the ancient city of Aksum. Every Ethiopian church has a tabot in the inner sanctuary that is accessible only to priests. Small crosses like this well-worn example are held almost continually by a priest and are used to bless the faithful with a touch to the forehead.Label Type
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Saint Joseph's University purchase