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Ethiopia

The Walters' collection of Ethiopian icons, manuscripts, and processional crosses is one of the largest collections outside of Ethiopia. Historically, Ethiopia was a Christian kingdom with strong ties in both trade and religion to the cultures located around the Mediterranean. Ethiopia's Christian tradition dates back to the 4th century, when the ruler of the Aksumite kingdom converted to Christianity; by the 15th century, this African nation had developed a tradition of icon painting that rivaled that of the Orthodox empires. 

Detail image for Ethiopia

The book, Ethiopia at the Crossroads provides an accessible and wide-ranging overview of the history and culture of a storied region that remains relatively unknown to Western audiences. The book was published accompanying the Ethiopia at the Crossroads exhibition.

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Image for Hand Cross with Figure

Hand Cross with Figure

Ethiopian Artist
18th-19th century (Early Modern)
61.340
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Image for Scroll with Angels and Talismans

Scroll with Angels and Talismans

Ethiopian Artist
18th century (Modern)
W.788
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Image for Pendant Cross

Pendant Cross

Ethiopian Artist
18th-19th century (Early Modern)
57.2254.17
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Image for Pendant Cross

Pendant Cross

Ethiopian Artist
18th-19th century (Early Modern)
57.2254.4
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Image for Two Ethiopian Prayer Books copied together

Two Ethiopian Prayer Books copied together

Ethiopian Artist
18th century
W.844
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Image for The Nativity, The Presentation of Christ in the Temple, and the Adoration of the Magi

The Nativity, The Presentation of Christ in the Temple, and the Adoration of the Magi

Ethiopian Artist
18th century
36.18
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Image for Double-sided Icon with Scenes from the Life of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the Saints

Double-sided Icon with Scenes from the Life of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the Saints

Ethiopian Artist
18th century (Gondarine )
36.17
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Image for Double-Sided Pendant with the Virgin and Child with Saint George and the Kwer'atä Reesu with Täklä Haymanot and donor

Double-Sided Pendant with the Virgin and Child with Saint George and the Kwer'atä Reesu with Täklä Haymanot and donor

Ethiopian Artist
late 18th century (Gondarine)
36.5
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Image for Processional Cross

Processional Cross

Ethiopian Artist
late 18th century (Gondarine)
54.2893
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Image for Pendant Cross

Pendant Cross

Ethiopian Artist
19th century (Modern)
57.2254.24
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Image for Ethiopian Scroll with the Lion of Judah

Ethiopian Scroll with the Lion of Judah

Ethiopian Artist
19th century
W.845
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Image for Pendant Cross

Pendant Cross

Ethiopian Artist
19th century (Modern)
57.2254.35
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Image for Pendant Cross

Pendant Cross

Ethiopian Artist
19th century (Modern)
57.2254.53
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Image for Pendant Cross

Pendant Cross

Ethiopian Artist
19th century (Modern)
57.2254.54
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Image for Manuscript of Hymns for the Funeral Ritual

Manuscript of Hymns for the Funeral Ritual

Ethiopian Artist
19th century
W.931
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Image for Prayer Scroll

Prayer Scroll

Ethiopian Artist
19th century
W.930
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Image for Archangel Raphael and the Miracle of the Sea Monster

Archangel Raphael and the Miracle of the Sea Monster

Ethiopian Artist
mid 19th century (Modern)
36.13.2
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Image for Archangel Michael and the Crossing of the Red Sea

Archangel Michael and the Crossing of the Red Sea

Ethiopian Artist
mid 19th century (Modern)
36.13.1
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Image for Prayer Scroll with Archangel Michael and Cross

Prayer Scroll with Archangel Michael and Cross

Ethiopian Artist
late 19th-early 20th century (?)
2001.32.7
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Image for Prayer Scroll with Case

Prayer Scroll with Case

Ethiopian Artist
late 19th-early 20th century (?)
2001.32.8
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Image for Sistrum

Sistrum

Ethiopian Artist
ca. 1900 (Modern)
54.2848
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Image for Ethiopian Hand Cross Decorated with the Face of a Saint and Strapwork

Ethiopian Hand Cross Decorated with the Face of a Saint and Strapwork

Ethiopian Artist
1895
54.2844
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Image for Anaphora of Mary (Mass book)

Anaphora of Mary (Mass book)

2nd quarter 20th century
W.829
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Image for Ethiopian Prayer Book

Ethiopian Prayer Book

mid 20th century (Modern)
W.784
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