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Clément Floch

Original Priests handcross (or 'Meskel' in Amharic) from Amhara area, Ethiopia. Priests wear handcrosses in order to bless the faithful, or in order for the crosses to be kissed  by the faithful. Therefore, handcrosses have to be light and easy to carry. They generally consist of three parts: the cross itself, the shaft and the base which acts as a counterbalance to the cross. Every Ethiopian priest has a handcross with which he blesses the faithful. 

This cross is handcrafted by the lost-wax method, and is a unique piece. Ever since the 18th century, crosses made of alloys with silver and other metals have been found. From the 19th century silver was increasingly used in such an alloy. The oldest handcrosses are sometimes more than a 1000 years old. The material used for these very old ones used to be copper, like the one in the last photograph. 

This Meskel is made of an aloy of silver, copper and nickel. 


Ethiopia - Mid 20th century

Amhara - 34 cm - Large Coptic priest blessing cross - Meskel - Silverplate

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Amhara - 34 cm - Large Coptic priest blessing cross - Meskel - Silverplate

7374 objects

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Decorative Objects

This object is no longer available, but there’s still lots to explore

Amhara - 34 cm - Large Coptic priest blessing cross - Meskel - Silverplate

7374 objects

Related collections