Ethiopian Coptic Cross Amulet

Arms that bow slightly outward at the tips, as if the cross is stretching.

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. Ethiopian crosses are known for their lacework of interlaced lines, with arms that terminate in ornamental shapes and a frame that is often pierced. The horizontal bar widens gently toward its ends, and the lower arm tapers a touch before ending square. A small rounded knob joins the upright at the top. The surface is soft and matte, with a warm grey cast and light handling marks. It is 1.5 inches long and 2.25 high.

A little wobble in the outline is part of the charm.