7082

Ethiopian Iron Hand Cross (Yaegg Masqal)

Ethiopia
circa 17th century

height: 23.5cm, width: 9.5cm, weight: 116g

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Provenance

private collection, Scotland.

This fine cross has been cut from a single piece of iron. It was made to be held in the hand and is known as a yaegg masqal.

The cross is a pattee cross with flared arms that terminate with quatrefoils. It is decorated on both sides with engraved line ornamentation and stamped with circles.

The base is decorated with a square that ends in a quatrefoil. It too is decorated on both sides.

The handle is rounded.

The item as an excellent patina.

 

References

Biasio, E., Majesty and Magnificence at the Court of Menelik: Alfred Ilg’s Ethiopia around 1900, Verlag Nueue Zurcher Zeitung, 2004.

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