Antique Authentic Ethiopian Coptic Christian Cross Pendant Ethiopia, Africa

Description

This is an antique handmade authentic Ethiopian Coptic Christian cross pendant which measures 2.30 inches long by 1.80 inches wide. Great condition but has slight wear. This is a rare antique silver pendant from Ethiopia which is very desirable and would look great used in jewelry applications or would fit right into any Ethiopian collection.
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Ethiopian Christians have worn neck crosses for over 1,600 years and the symbolic art of the cross is a very important part of their religious life which expresses their love, belief and devotion to God.
Hardly any silver was mined in Ethiopia therefore the Maria Theresa Thaler silver coin served as the primary source of silver used by Ethiopian metalsmiths to create articles of jewelry such as this antique Ethiopian Coptic Christian neck cross. The different designs of Ethiopian cross pendants represent towns or areas of the Ethiopian highlands. These antique silver crosses are either cast by the lost wax method using melted Maria Theresa Thaler coins or cut right from a Maria Theresa Thaler coin. These antique Ethiopian Coptic crosses were worn a lifetime and passed down through generations and were often repaired by the metalsmiths when needed.