The cross as a symbol cultural identity of Ethiopia

The article deals with the semantics and symbolism of the cross in the culture of Ethiopia. It is shown that the special forms and various functions of the cross are associated with the canonical ideas of the ancient Eastern Ethiopian church and its influence on the social and private life of the Ethiopian society. The typology of the main forms of the cross is traced, the development of ornamental decoration in the context of religious and everyday life, including in the bodily practices of tattooing, in the decoration of traditional textiles. The cross is interpreted as a sign of cultural and regional identity. Commission of church crosses is seen as a manifestation of personal piety. The most significant are religious ceremonial crosses associated with worship, as well as hand crosses for personal blessing, which are common not only in the church, but also in family life. Thus, the cross is one of the most important signs of ethnic selfidentification in modern Ethiopian culture.