Ethiopian Coptic Crosses – all certified 1700-1900-- some are ‘processional’ and belong to the church (with a hollow, flared core at the bottom, to be placed on top of a staff); others ‘blessing’ or ‘hand’ cross belong to the priest (held in the hand and touched to the forehead of a worshipper). The Coptic crosses are fabulously varied, but all follow three basic (location-based) styles – Axum, from Tigray, Northern region; Lalibela, Amhara region, North-Central Highlands, where are located the famous and amazing rock-hewn churches; and Gondar, from Northwest. (my home thermostat is also in the image 😊)