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Used condition. Pre owned condition as is some flawsUp for sale is an authentic, beautifully preserved vintage Ethiopian Orthodox handheld blessing cross. Hand-carved from a dense, native hardwood, this distinctive piece of African devotional folk art features traditional, vibrant hand-painted icons rendered in the classic Tewahedo ecclesiastical style.Design & Iconography Details:
- Obverse (Front):Features detailed hand-painted figures, including Jesus Christ in traditional vestments offering a blessing, a protective angel/seraph hovering above, and saintly figures flanking the sides.
- Reverse (Back):Deeply incised with traditional geometric interlace patterns (haräg) hand-chiseled directly into the stained wood.
Condition Notes:
Excellent vintage structural condition with a rich, dark torched patina on the handle. The painted icon panels are remarkably clear, vibrant, and free of major flaking or chips. As an indicator of its authentic handmade construction, the base of the handle features a small, natural patch of lighter exposed raw wood left from the artisan's final carving process.Please review all provided close-up photos for exact cosmetic condition. Perfect for collectors of sacred art, Christian antiquities, or global folk art.
