Ethiopian Coptic Cross Amulet

Every surface is hatched with braided chain patterns, even the narrow arms.

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. Slender upright and a short crossbar are covered with engraved interlocking loops, like a chain etched into the surface. The ground is dark and the raised lines catch a pale shine. A small loop sits at the top. It is 1.25 inches long and 2.25 high.

Not an inch left bare, and no regrets.