Large brass Coptic cross, Ethiopia, late 18th c.

Large processional cross in gilt brass, with openwork and engraved decoration featuring the Virgin Mary, the Infant Jesus, saints and angels.
There are many forms of cross, depending on the region or city: the cross of Lalibela, Gondar, Aksoum.
They are a central motif of Ethiopian art in murals and manuscripts.
Here, we seem to be in the presence of a processional cross such as can be seen in the Aksoum monastery: a semi-circular shape supports the four-lobed cross from below.
Plexiglas base.
Rare in these dimensions: 55.5 x 29.5
Ethiopia, late 18th c.