Ethiopian Coptic Cross Amulet

Cut-out lattice and a few stamped X corners give this pierced pendant a rough-hewn charm.

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. Silver crosses of this kind were often made by hand-working or casting metal, sometimes from melted coins, which gave smiths a familiar and portable source of silver. Stepped, openwork body with irregular cut-outs, framed by small diamond lobes at the sides and base, each scored with an X. The dark surface is rough and cast-looking, with a small loop above. It is 1.75 inches long and 2.75 high.

Rugged lacework from a maker with no time for neat edges.