

Ethiopian crosses,Abyssinian crosses, orEthiopian-Eritrean crosses are a grouping ofChristian cross variants that are symbols ofChristianity inEthiopia,Eritrea, and amongEthiopians andEritreans. Their elaborate, stylized design is markedly distinct from other Christian cross variants.[1][2] Ethiopian crosses are almost always made from elaboratelatticework, the intertwined lattice representseverlasting life.[3] No two crosses are exactly identical in style, theartisans who make them being allowed the freedom to exercise a measure of individual taste and creativity in their choice of shape and pattern. Crosses may be of theprocessional type with a socket at the base so they may be mounted on a staff and carried in church ceremonies or hand-heldblessing crosses used by priests inbenedictions.[4]