Processional Cross early 15th century Ethiopia, Lasta region This work is an exceptional example of a popular early 15th century cast copper alloy openwork processional cross developed in Ethiopia -- an art form that has been endlessly reinvented by regional artists. In this example, the ornament is freely worked, while the form is highly symmetrical. From the time of the adoption of Christianity -- around 330 A.D. -- crosses have been omnipresent not only as liturgical objects in the region's churches and monasteries, but also in popular devotion and everyday life. Functioning as apotropaic objects to ward off evil spirits and as spiritual emblem of the entire community, members of the clergy carry the large-scale metal processional crosses on poles during processions and liturgical ceremonies. Ethiopian monarchs made gifts of processional crosses to important monasteries whose clergy remembered them in their prayers. In Ethiopia the Cross is perceived of as an emblem of triumph rathe