Ethnic Design Collection Reto Zehnder

This is an Ethiopian orthodox wooden double-faced icon.  The exterior faces are hand-carved and the interior hand-painted with scenes from the gospels. A unique piece of Ethiopian christian art.

Old Ethiopian Kitab leather amulet necklace containing Coptic scrolls. Ethiopian manuscripts and prayers. They are used by the Oromo's to ward off evil spirits and bring the wearer good luck and fortune. Bought in Ethiopia in the 1980ties. The necklace is made out of: 8 prayer rolls; 3 leather amulet containers, 1 leather container containing " a book" (see picture), 1 small horn (goat or sheep??) and 2 spoons carved out of a horn. A unique piece in its original, but perfect, condition with beautiful patina on all parts.

A nice large orthodox cross from Ethiopia

It has the round circle of the Solomonic designs and added the rams horns, a very old design. Maybe from Jimma aerea.

Hinged cross, most probably from Aksum.

Nice cross pendant in Gonder style

Latin style

A latin cross with one transversal arm looking downwards, probaly from Jimma area.

Probably from Dessie area

Nice cross in Aksum style.

Hinged cross in Aksum style.

With exception of No 3 all crosses have a silver content above 90%

This processional cross is carried by the priests and deacons of Lalibela during church. It is attached to the end of the pole. This model is the Cross of Saint George.

It is the top part of a wooden praying stick, which every Ethiopian priest and monk carries with him. During the often long-lasting ceremonies the praying stick is also used as an armrest and to support the priest in his daily bible readings. Generally, the priest are standing, bible in the hand, support-cane under his arm for hours and hours.

Fine chiseled hand cross with both side of its central handle a representation of Saint George. The bottom part has a human face and guez inscription on the other side.

It has the round circle of the Solomonic designs and added the ramshorns. Very old design. Beautiful piece, finely chiseled. The form is a reminiscent of Christ's "Chi-Ro" monogram. Close to Jimma style.

Cross made out of two elements linked together by a hinge, typical for Gojam area.The lower element is a latin shaped cross, the type of cross worn by priests.

Hinged cross in Gurage/Shoa  style.

Beautiful finely worked cross in Axum or Gojam style.

NO 1 AND 6 ARE SOLD

 4 Ethiopian coptic crosses of different sizes and shapes. On demand they can also be sold separately. All have been tested, beside No 6 they are with silver content over 90% some over 95%.

NO 1, 2, 3 AND 5 ARE SOLD

All are old and have been worn for many years. On demand they can be sold individually. All have been tested and are over 90% silver.

Six nice old cross pendants, They all have been worn for many years. Can also be sold individually on demand.

No 3, 4 and 5 are over 95% silver, the remaining ones a silver, copper, nickel aloy.

Sign of long use. Cross with a latin cross design from Mekele ?

Either Axum or Gojam style