Hand Cross (mäsqäl) 18th century Amhara or Tigrinya peoples The squared crossin which each of the crossbars is of equal lengthis among the most common iterations of the form used in Ethiopian Orthodox art. Artist-monks created nearly infinite variations upon the shape, frequently employing multiple cross motifs within a single cross to emphasize its symbolic importance. This example of a wooden hand cross has at least three major crosses: one on the diagonal and two placed on axis, the smallest of which is enclosed within a diamond, and the largest of which is constructed of interlacing loops. The artist has articulated the carving so that the bands of each cross dip below and rise above one another, creating the illusion of a complicated woven design. The thick bands of the diagonal and looped crosses are filled with patterns of nested and single zig-zags, a motif that continues onto the grip and to the square at its base. A second diagonal cross divides the plane of the lower squar