Ethiopia is known for its magnificent churches, illuminated manuscripts, and world-famous contemporary art.
c. 1 C.E.–present
videos + essays
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Sheila Hicks on The Harp of Praise by Ethiopian scribe Baselyos
Contemporary artist Sheila Hicks discusses the geometric iconography and calligraphy of this Ethiopian prayer book
An Ethiopian icon
The earliest known Ethiopian icons have been dated to the fifteenth century and typically portray the Virgin and Child, the Apostles, and Saint George.
Christian Ethiopian art
Ethiopia’s Christian heritage predates much of Europe’s, and includes churches hewn from living rock.
Illuminated Gospel
This 15th century manuscript is based on Egyptian Coptic sources, but its creators imbued it with local flair.
Aksumite Coins
Pious, multilingual, and technologically advanced, these coins were currency in more ways than one.
The kingdom of Aksum
By 400 C.E., Aksum was a sophisticated Christian empire with a written language and an international reputation.
Julie Mehretu, Stadia II
In this work, a contemporary Ethiopian artist explores the utopian potential of chaos in a globalizing world.
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