The naming of this motif seems immediately quite counter intuitive. What does Malta have to do with ancient Cyprus? In truth, nothing. This naming is purely attributed to a coincidental similarity in appearance. It is however commonly used and therefore a term we shall also adopt.

The maltese cross motif is solely present in the middle to late Iron age and is usually used in shapes such as the Flask and Dish. It is always used as a center piece to a composition, creating a focal point from which the rest of the design radiates. It is often surrounded by a thick circle motif of slip.

The maltese cross usually appears purely in Geometric designs and isn't present in free-field art.