Gallery

A digital archive showcasing the extensive collection of jewellery and adornment images shared on the former Ethnic Jewels Ning site over the years. These images have significantly enriched discussions on cultural adornment and its global dispersion.

Lalibela Cross 1

Posted by Eva Baby on January 10, 2014 at 2:31pm

I always wanted to have a Lalibela cross (Ethiopia) of this type (there are other Lalibela types of more square form) and of silver, so I can wear it. This is it. Size 4,5 cm plus 1 cm hook, 800 silver, new, sent from Addis Ababa. The prayer boxes on the photo are old and worn, as well as the leather boxes containing protecting writings. From Ingrid I know, that the Little rounds on top of the cross represent the 12 diciples, and the cross on top Jesus, while the hole of 3 crosses represents the holy trinity. It has been difficult to get a good photo where one can see the carvings in the pendant, because the silver is high, and therefore reflects the light extremely strong on a photo. I had to try several times to get this result.

Comments

Chantal January 10, 2014 at 3:56pm

Beautiful arrangement Eva. Very artistic. You always make very inspiring pictures with small interesting objects.
Eva Baby January 10, 2014 at 4:04pm

@Thank you Chantal, you are too Kind!
Eva Baby January 10, 2014 at 4:08pm

@Wow, thanks a lot for the Feature! What a thrill (I was suffering from a Bronchitis since 11 days and felt very down.......... this lifts me up!!! Thank you!!!!).
Betty January 10, 2014 at 4:54pm

A beautiful Lalibela cross! There are quite a few very skilled silver smith around in Addis. Recently I saw some extremely beautiful new filigree telsum that were are also contemporary.
Eva Baby January 10, 2014 at 7:18pm

@Thank you Betty! I like this form, but there are many Ethiopian crosses that are beautiful, I also like the Axum type! The old ones (except the small ones) are usually not silver.... I have some of them, bought "for a song", as you said somewhere, but they are nickel I think.
ingrid Langerak January 10, 2014 at 9:37pm

Lovely display Eva. This cross is made not in the lost wax system but sawn out of a flatpiece of silver with a table (figuresaw) on which they lay a blue print and follow the lines. Very complex really, and after the edge it in. Quite a time taking process, and than to think how little it cost really. Another point about the Axum crosses. The old Axum crosses are silver and not nickel. Sometimes they differ in quality but definitely silver. Could it be that you have seen the newly made in nickel like so many are now on internet (ebay) for sale? I am very intense busy with a project, but after a week I hope to have more time and will show you some beautiful silver Axum crosses. Not so good to hear you had another spell of bronchitis. Please take your time to get in a good condition. Gr. Ingrid.
ingrid Langerak January 10, 2014 at 9:39pm

Eva, could you make a picture of your Axum crosses so I can see what they look like?
Eva Baby January 10, 2014 at 10:42pm

Hi Ingrid, thanks for all the Information! Good to know how it is made. I do not think that I have an Axum cross, I just like their design. I have another Lalibela (nickel, looking more square with the dove on the sides), a Dese (also some metal mix), and another one in nickel that I do not know which type. Then the small silver crosses (the Shoa one, and three very small ones) and a Gurage cross. The Axum is the one with beautiful intricate, but straight decoration (don't know the Expression in English, something like a woven basket - the design not the form). I do not have it - it is on my wish-list for sometime in the future.