ETHIOPIA. Ethiopia is the cradle of one of the oldest orthodox theologies, where the first crosses appeared around 400 AD. This ancient cross is made from a sheet of brass, cut and chiselled with subtle, fine details in keeping with Coptic icons. Attached to the end of a staff by a cylindrical socket, it was carried in processions by Coptic Christian priests during services in Gondar or Lalibela in the Ahmara region. Height: 31 cm (without base). Width: 20 cm. Literature: F. Hans Leuenberger: l'Ethiopie, published by Elsevier, Paris 1958.