Croix de procession "yämäsor mäsqäl", 13e - 15e siècle

iron, three-part, base

The cross symbol is ubiquitous in Ethiopia. “Meskel” commemorates the discovery of the true cross and goes back to the Christianization of Ethiopia in the 4th century AD. It is the most important holiday of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.

In Ethiopian Christianity the cross originally represented the suffering of Christ but more and more it now symbolizes the hopeful resurrection and the salvation from suffering, and is a powerful symbol of protection, above all against evil and harm.

Over time, more and more shapes and varieties of crosses developed, mainly procession crosses, hand crosses as well as cross pendants.

The procession cross is an important part of many liturgical acts as it serves as a blessing and is widely visible in festive processions.