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Ethiopian filigree cross 1

Ethiopian filigree cross 1
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  • This cross is another one of my lucky finds which I was able to purchase for just over € 10. I think its a Gurage or Gojam cross, but will be happy to be told more by our Ethiopia experts. The part above the hinge and/or the bail look like they have been replaced at some stage. Still it's lovely filigree work and looks and feels like rather good silver (though I haven't tested it yet).

    I would just like to share a little story with you. Just before stumbling quite incidentally across this pendant, I found another case of gross misrepresentation on ebay. On ebay.de, article no. 191057210379, you will find a very similar cross pendant to the one shown above, which is being sold for as "antique Celtic cross" for the staggering amount of € 9700 sth! The same seller has a few more (quite beautiful and relatively rare) Ethiopian crosses starting at around € 700.  None of them, however is being sold as Ethiopian.

  • I forgot to mention: the cross measures about 8.3 cm in length including the bail

  • This is beautiful Betty. Good to have such luck once in a while!

  • Very nice ! I think it is a Gurage cross and it has a wonderful decoration (the string-like lines inside are very Special!). I have a similar one, but not old and not hinged, a modern one (and I think without this decoration I mentioned, but I am not sure.. as it is not before me),  so this one is really of higher value.  What a crazy Story you wrote below! An antique celtic cross for this phantasy amount which is in real an Ethiopian cross ? I have to read this.. (if it is still on Ebay). Will come back....

  • Now I found it, strange, the first time it did not work! You are right! It is a normal Ethiopian cross and they want to sell it for These Euro 9700 something. I ask myself if this is a joke!  I copied the link, below, but I am not sure if it works.

    http://www.ebay.de/itm/191057210379?ru=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.de%2Fs...

  • @ Eva: yes, it's quite hilarous. They also have a Lalibela cross on offer for the same price.

  • Yes, you are right about the Lalibela cross, being sold as antique Celtic Cross for almost Euros 10'000.00  I am speechless!

    The link: (but the auction is soon ending):

    http://www.ebay.de/itm/Antike-Kelten-Kreuz-keltenkreuz-Keltisch-End...

  • Hi Betty, for sure this is an old  coptic cross with filegrain and granulate.  This can be of  good or lower silver. It is a Shoa cross but also known as Guarage cross (because they like decoration) I do think that the upper part is the correct piece, but the eye has been redone.  A good find for such a price.

  • Yes, its funny how some African things are labelled Art Deco as the Ebay item you mention. I found a Tuareg chat chat necklace on ebay labelled as Art Deco. What caught my eye tonight are these earrings.2506007097?profile=original

  • Dear friends,I have seen these crosses put on auction on ebay about 6 weeks ago, and like you was astonished,  there were two crosses a nice Axum cross claimed as Keltish for Euro 10,000 or about. and a Shoa/Guarage cross, for the same price.  Now I also see on his list another Axum cross claimed as an Art'Deco Cross  for about 470,00.  I had tried to get in touch with the seller, but via Ebay I couldn.t find a possible contact address.    Really ashame.  But I have noticed a lot of misclaim concerning Ethiopian items.  Rather frustrating because it definitely spoils the market for the authentic items.

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