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Crosses
Priest’s Hand Cross
የእጅ መስቀል
Ethiopian priests are rarely seen without a hand cross. The faithful approach to kiss it and receive a blessing, and the priest touches it to their forehead. Its square handle stands for the tomb of Christ or the Ark of the Covenant.
Why it matters
Wood, the material of the True Cross, is especially treasured. Years of handling give old hand crosses a dark, glossy surface.
Object details
- Date
- 19th century
- Material
- Carved olive wood
- Dimensions
- Height c. 22 cm
- Origin
- Carved locally
- Gallery
- Crosses
Look closely
- Carved from a single piece of wood
- Square “tabot” block on the handle
- Worn smooth by generations of blessing
Illustrative record — to be replaced with the church’s documented object and photograph.