14th-15th century AD. A bronze pendant comprising a cross within a lozenge border with pierced lugs to the angles, integral loop. See Abbink, J., 'The cross in Ethiopian Christianity' in Bongmba, L.K., The Routledge Companion to Christianity in Africa, 2015, New York & London, pp.122-140.13.2 grams, 56mm (2 1/4"). Ex central London gallery; formerly in a New York, USA, private collection. Among the various crosses in use, particular importance is held by the pendant cross, worn visibly above the clothing and made of brass, silver or iron. There are very few old pendant crosses preserved, one of the reasons being the custom to bury them with their owners upon their death. It is believed that three copper crosses in the collection of the Institute of Ethiopian Studies in Addis Ababa (inv. nr. 6722, 4872, 5182) dating to the 14th or 15th century AD are among the oldest surviving examples. Two very fine 15th century examples, one of copper, one of gilded silver, are kept in the monastic church of Wuqén in the province of Tembén. [No Reserve]