What: A processional cross covered in engravings, given by Secretary of State for India, Sir Stafford Henry Northcote

Where: The British Museum, Great Russell St, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3DG

The catalogue entry reads:

“Processional cross cast from bronze with cast, hollow shaft and lower arms engraved and gilded. The tapered shaft is decorated with two raised mouldings and has a deep slot into which the body of the cross rests and is secured with two metal nails. Two lower arms, extend from the shaft, curving upwards and are attached to the cross with curved silver [?] plates and nails. A crack to the left lower arm has been repaired using the same technique.

“The body of the cross is formed from a patée cross with poly-lobed arms which flare out to join one another leaving ovoid cut outs known as dove’s eyes. Two finial crosses decorate the upper edges of the cross and two further finial crosses decorate the tops of the lower arms. The body of the cross and both lower arms are richly engraved, both front and back, with holy images, floral motifs, angels and ge’ez inscriptions. The background, which is patterned with fine punch marks, contrasts vividly with the gilded imagery.

“Front; clockwise from top; Image of The Holy Trinity represented by three seated and haloed male figures with their hands raised in blessing. They are set within a hexagonal box, surrounded with images of a winged bird, ox, lion and man representing the four living creatures and the throne of God. Directly below is Emperor Bakaffa prostrate. To the left is the transfiguration of Christ, with Moses to the left and Elijah to the right and below them Christ’s sleeping followers, Peter, James and John. To the right of the shaft of the cross is Abun [?] and to the left is Abun Tekle Haymanot both in traditional priests turbans. To the right is the image of the ascension of Christ, with Mary, to the left, shown with a halo and with her arms crossed in front of her. Three angels are also depicted with their wings crossed in front of them symbolic of their reverence at Christ’s divinity and glory.Back; clockwise from top; The image of the Crucifixion of Christ. Below the cross, set within a rectangle are falling stars, the sun and the moon. To the left an angel collects Christ’s blood, directly below is Mary and to the right is Saint John. In the centre of the cross is a group of figures, one on horseback. To the right two figures in profile flog Christ who is tied to a post. To the right of the shaft of the cross is the Kwer’ata Resu or striking of his head, which shows Christ wearing the crown of thorns. To the right is an image of Saint Gabre Manfus Qeddus with his arms raised in prayer. He is shown wearing a scapular and large stone, with dashed lines across his body representing his hair, with which it is said he was clothed. He is surrounded by lions and leopards. To the left is a depiction of Christ in the garden of Gethsemane. He kneels and prays before the image of an angel or Holy Spirit who bears a cross and a chalice. Around him Peter and the two sons of Zebebee are sleeping. Lower arms;
Front, left; Abun Abib with halo and turban.
Front right; unidentified saint.Back, left; Saint Raphael depicted spearing a whale outside a round church.
Back, right; Saint Michael spearing the devil who is surrounded by flames.”

Detail
Museum number: Af1868,1230.6
Date: 1721-1730
Acquisition name: Sir Stafford Henry Northcote, 1st Earl of Iddesleigh
Acquisition date: 1868

What: A processional cross, given by Secretary of State for India, Sir Stafford Henry Northcote

Where: The British Museum, Great Russell St, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3DG

The catalogue entry reads:

“Processional cross made from brass in four pieces, cross, two lower arms and cast shaft. The hollow tapering shaft has two bands of moulded decoration and a deep vertical slot at the top into which the cross is supported and is secured with three copper nails. Two square plates extend out from the shaft to which the lower arms are each attached with two copper nails. The arms curve upwards to support the body of the cross between two slotted extensions with central hole, both nails are missing. Each lower arm is engraved with an angel with crossed wings, front and back and surmounted with a finial cross.

“The body of the cross is formed from a patée cross with flared poly lobed arms which join at the corners leaving ovoid cut outs known as dove’s eyes. Each has a cruciform motif in the inner corner. The arms have twelve finial crosses around their edges. The surface of the cross is engraved with holy images.

Front, clockwise from top; Mary with her hand raised to her mouth in grief stands to the left of the Crucifixion of Christ. Above the cross is an inscription in Ge’ez and an image of the sun and the moon. To the right of the cross is John his hand raised to his face, below is a winged angel. Just visible at the base of the cross is the skull of Adam. To the right, Saint Gabriel and Saint Michael stand either side of Mary who is seated with Christ on her lap. The saints have drawn swords and their wings extend above Mary in an act of protection and veneration. Mary and extends her fingers in blessing while Christ holds a book in his left hand and extends the fingers of his right in blessing. Both have elaborate halos. To the right is an image of the resurrection of Christ. To the left of the shaft of the cross, Abun Gabre Manfus Qeddus is shown in prayer; his arms extend upwards while a bird descends to him. He is flanked by leopards and the fine lines on his body represent his hair with which he was clothed. Above, Saint George is depicted on horseback spearing a dragon. He is followed by three retainers, Saqrates, Lolis and Herpas who carry spears. In front of Saint George’s horse is Birutawit with her arms folded in front of her.Back, clockwise from top; image of the Covenant of Mercy. Mary has her arms crossed in front of her while Christ holds a handkerchief in his left hand and extends the fingers of his right in blessing. Above them is an angel with outstretched wings. Below are two angels and the prostrate figure of the donor, Fitawrari Yabchu who is depicted with sword and pattered robes. To right; Saint Stephen is shown in the top of a tree and with three swords pointing towards him. Either side of the shaft of the cross is an angel with an outstretched wing. To the right is Saint Takle Haymanot depicted with six wings, his hands raised in prayer. To the left is his leg which according to his Gadl or life story atrophied after years of standing in devout prayer.”

Inscription Translation
This cross was given by Fitawrari Yabchu to Kidane Mirhret for the salvation of [his] body and soul.
Inscription Comment
Fitawrari is a noble title and was formerly a military one, meaning “leader of the vanguard.” Kidane Mirhret, Covenant of Mercy, is the name of the church to which the cross was given.

Inscription Translation
Jesus of Nazareth king of the Jews.

Detail
Museum number: Af1868,1230.5
Date: 18thC (mid)
Acquisition name: Sir Stafford Henry Northcote, 1st Earl of Iddesleigh
Acquisition date: 1868