Ethiopian Hand-held Blessing Cross (meskel), Early 20th Century

Hand-held blessing cross (Meskel) used by Ethiopian Orthodox (Tewahedo) priests and monks. The priest holds it by the handle or by the lower square panel decorated with the Virgin and Child to bless the faithful. A 20th-century example, the casting, patina, and iconographic style indicate a traditional Ethiopian handcrafted object made for worship. Brass or copper alloy (bronze/brass) cast using the lost-wax method, featuring a golden and brown patina. 
Depicted are: The Crucifixion of Jesus in the center with the Virgin Mary and Saint John at his sides, surmounted by scenes from the Passion/Last Supper and the Resurrection at the bottom, and Saint George slaying the dragon in the center (a patron saint highly venerated in Ethiopia), surrounded by angels and religious figures, followed by an angel (probably the archangel Gabriel or Michael) connecting the cross to the round, openwork base featuring the Virgin and Child.