Real Ethiopian and Tuareg Crosses: A Symbolic Jewelry

Pendants are popular African jewellery worn regularly or on special occasions. Typically, they were crafted from minerals, rocks, clay, feather, cowrie shells, and horns. They were worn in rope or chains and had meditative, healing, cultural, protective, and adornment significance.

The Ethiopian and Tuareg crosses are the two popular African pendants with cultural and religious values. Let's explore the symbolic meaning associated with each.

    • Real Ethiopian cross

In Ethiopian culture, the cross is one of the most dominant symbols. They are used in numerous ceremonies, festivals, and performances, including the annual Timkat celebration.

The real Ethiopian cross is a reflection of resilience, faith, powerful history, and gentility. Some of the prominent crosses include:

    • Processional cross: They were held above the head of the crowd during the church procession. They were crafted from wood, silver, brass, and gold (occasionally). Processional Ethiopian crosses could be pear, diamond, or round shaped, glided, or inscribed.

    • Priest's Cross:They are less elaborate than the Processional cross and are crafted from wood, iron, or silver. While blessing the congregation, the priest will hold the cross in their hand or wear them around their neck.

    • Pectoral Cross:They are neck crosses worn around the faithful's neck in a cord or string. They are crafted from horn, iron, silver, and occasional gold. Most receive them during baptism.

In Ethiopian tradition, the cross is a holy matrix that encompasses life in microcosmic or macrocosmic dimensions.

For centuries, the real Ethiopian cross has been considered the most vital spiritual and physical protection source. They are also a fundamental marker of individual and communal identity.

    • Tuareg Crosses

The Tuareg crosses were traditionally passed down from generation to generation, from father to son. They are also known as Niger crosses and are crafted only from silver. Tuareg people believed that silver was the metal of Allah and Gold was considered demonic metal.

The center of the Tuareg cross represents God. Since they believed we are one with God, human shares the central spot. The four arms of the cross keep the evil at bay. Tuareg cross is worn as a protective amulet.

Before the Tuareg parents depart, they give their children this enchanting cross. They believed that the four corners represent the world's four corners as no one knows where they will perish.

There are numerous theories associated with the meaning of the Tuareg cross; let's explore some of them:

    • Tuareg crosses are derived from the Egyptian Ankh symbol. Ankh is considered to be inspired by the carteginese sign of Goddess Tanit.

    • The presence of the triangular element is considered the stylish representation of the apotropaic eye. Thus, it is considered a talisman that protects from the evil eye.

    • They share an undeniable resemblance with the four stars position of the Southern Cross and the bottom part of the diamond-shaped Agades cross.

The real Ethiopian and Tuareg cross are two beautiful pendants that should be part of your jewelry collection. The spiritual meaning associated with them makes them more enchanting and intriguing. They are stunning jewelry pieces that will protect you from the evil eye.

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