Ethiopian Coptic Cross Amulet

Swirls and blobs of molten-looking metal crowd every arm of this lumpy little cross.

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. Each arm ends in a round medallion with a spiral center, ringed by small raised beads. Cast lumps and drips fill the gaps between them. The metal is bright and uneven, with a small stamped mark near the top. It is 1.5 inches long and 2 high.

Decoration that never learned when to stop, and thrived.