Ancient African Cross

This is a rare and beautiful old Coptic cross, a religious icon of Ethiopia's Coptic Christians for centuries. These ornate crosses are widely used in the Coptic church in Ethiopia and Eritrea and considered a sign of faith and pride for Christians in Northeast Africa. 

Icons and amulets originated to represent abstract ideas or concepts. The cross is the world’s oldest iconic symbol representing salvation, love and devotion. Christians were not the first to use the cross as a religious symbol. Ancient Egyptians first used it in the form called Ankh, which is also known as the key of life.

Gold bronze, 1.5" with bail. Morocco