Ethiopian Coptic Cross Amulet

Four flared arms meet at a pinched center, like a folded napkin that decided to be jewelry.

This coptic cross amulet is Ethiopian Orthodox, from Ethiopia, East Africa, and dates to the 19th or early 20th century. It is coin silver & fine silver. Worn at the neck, a cross is generally understood in Ethiopian Christian tradition as a sign of faith and a mark of belonging to the church. Broad arms flare outward to curved, scooped ends and pinch together at a narrow center. The surface is smooth and softly hammered, with a dull grey sheen and scuffing along the edges. A plain tube loop sits at the top. It is 1 inches long and 1.25 high.

Plain-spoken, heavy-shouldered, and entirely unbothered by ornament.