Hand-Embroidered Orthodox Christian Cross Textile, East African (Likely Ethiopian), Mid-20th Century

Details

Description

Description

Striking hand-embroidered Orthodox Christian cross textile, likely of Ethiopian or East African Oriental Orthodox origin, dating to the mid-20th … Read more Description

Striking hand-embroidered Orthodox Christian cross textile, likely of Ethiopian or East African Oriental Orthodox origin, dating to the mid-20th century.

The composition features a large, symmetrical interlaced cross rendered in dense geometric embroidery, with traditional symbolic motifs including stylized birds and latticework. The abstract, architectural form and intricate knot patterns are characteristic of Orthodox devotional imagery from the region, where textile arts have long played an important ceremonial and spiritual role.

The piece is fully hand-stitched on a woven textile ground, with visible variation in stitch density and thread tension that speaks to its handmade nature. The embroidery is executed in dark, earthy tones that contrast beautifully with the natural fabric, giving the work both visual presence and a strong graphic quality well suited to contemporary interiors.

The textile is presented in a later wooden frame, ready for display. It works equally well as a devotional object or as a bold piece of cultural wall art.

Details

Origin: East Africa (likely Ethiopia)

Tradition: Oriental Orthodox Christian

Date: Mid-20th century (circa 1940s–1970s)- Not certain/ Estimate

Medium: Hand-embroidered textile (thread on woven cloth)

Framed Dimensions: Approximately 25″ W × 29.5″ H

Condition: Good vintage condition with light, age-appropriate wear to the textile; consistent with age and use. Frame shows minor wear.

Style: Folk Art / Ethnographic / Religious / Textile Art

Why I Love It

This piece combines deep cultural symbolism with strong modernist geometry. The graphic cross form, rich texture, and neutral palette make it especially versatile—equally compelling in a minimalist space, an eclectic interior, or a thoughtfully curated collection of global textiles See less