Ethiopian Coptic Cross Amulet

Two punched dots above the arms give the top an owl-like stare.

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 Orthodox Christians have long worn crosses in many openwork patterns, and the designs vary by region, workshop and the silversmith who made them. Stocky form with short rounded arms and a thick lower shaft. Two small punched circles sit in the neck beneath a heavy loop. The surface is smooth and pale grey, with a soft shine and fine scuffs. It is 1 inches long and 1.5 high.

Watchful, a bit startled, and quite good company.