Ethiopia at the Crossroads: An Exhibit of Resilience

Ethiopia is frequently hailed as the crux of the ancient world. Thus, it’s only fitting that the world-renowned Toledo Museum of Art (TMA) would serve as a temporary home highlighting the artistic efforts of the country. Spanning from BCE to Web3, Ethiopia at the Crossroads tells a story of rewarding resilience as it fittingly makes its way to Toledo– the crossroad of America. 

Appropriately labeled the “Land of Origins,” Ethiopia is situated between Eritrea and Somalia upon the continent’s easternmost tip. The country creates Africa’s recognizably elusive horn. The Horn of Africa is a territory that historically relied on trade through the Red Sea port of Adulis, which is now in Eritrea. Biblically, it symbolizes authority, ferocity, honor, and power– characteristics that Ethiopia proudly represents in the modern day. 

Ethiopia’s craftsmanship over the centuries is particularly unmatched among the African countries. Ethiopia at the Crossroads shares an intimate viewing of manuscripts, wood, metal, stone sculptures, colorful textiles, wall paintings, intricately woven baskets, and so much more. 

This TMA exhibit is unparalleled in its approach to unveiling these pieces. Originating at the Walters Art Museum with Dr. Christine Sciacca and presenting a second showing at the Peabody Essex Museum, the TMA marks this traveling exhibition’s third and final stop. Thoughtfully curated by Sophie Ong, TMA’s assistant director of strategic initiatives, the multisensory, multispatial experience is one in which many should partake before the exhibit’s closing on November 10th. 

Ong’s methodically unconventional structuring of the Toledo-bound artwork surpasses simply spotlighting Ethiopia’s rich history and heritage. She mentions developing the space so that it “asks visitors to meander and find wonder in art that is exceptional.”

The exhibit commences with a digital art piece that portrays a pregnant Makәdda (the Queen of Sheba), accompanied by vibrant vintage comic strips retelling the story of her intermingles with the fabled Israelite ruler, King Solomon. Following the colorful comic panels rests a sculpture of Emperor Haile Selassie, crafted by the late British artist Jacob Epstein. Neighboring the emperor is a customized velvet cloak similar to one he himself would have worn. 

As you traverse the exhibit, you’ll delightfully meet the unmistakable sights and scents that mirror the everyday affairs of Ethiopian society. Accompanying several displayed pieces are scratch-and-sniff cards of frankincense and berbere, inviting you to imagine yourself sitting in Ethiopia’s stone churches, partaking in coffee ceremonies, opening manuscripts, or clutching brilliant baskets. 

Passing the Ethiopian texts, currencies, crosses, and scrolls, you’ll find one of Ong’s favorite works– Triptych Icon with the Apparition of the Virgin Mary at Dayr al-Maģtas, which centers Mary with an extravagant headpiece while wearing a painted cloak that mimics velvety textures. 

The painting neighbors two modern collages by Helena Metaferia, “Headdress 6” and “Headdress 23,” of Black women in compelling crowns of their own. This juxtaposition showcases the exhibit’s carefully-curated composition of ancient and current Ethiopian artistry.

Ong additionally notes an inspiring anecdote that led to the extensive digital art experience afforded to the exhibit’s visitors– House of Yatreda. Contrasting the bright, terracotta-forward atmosphere of Ethiopia at the Crossroads, the supplemental House of Yatreda features bold black, white, and gray single-channel videos of the storied Abyssinian Queen. 

It’s “a depiction of childhood fantasy brought to life,” Ong explains. In light-hearted jest, she considered herself a bit of a “medievalist” before her partnership with the digital artists of Yatreda ያጥሬዳ. Nonetheless, the Crossroads curator happily reflects on witnessing Yatreda’s genuine dedication to creativity, connectivity, and, above all else, art that authentically represents their beloved Ethiopia. 

As the first show of its kind in over 50 years, Ethiopia at the Crossroads alongside House of Yatreda offer visitors an immersive and unforgettable experience at the TMA. Mere photography cannot capture the aura and intensity of these pieces. With this exhibit being the ultimate, momentary destination for these artworks, an enriching, impermanent encounter is assured.

Image Captions:

*Top Panel: Unidentified artist, Queen of Sheba and King Solomon Conceiving King Mәnilәk I, Ethiopia, 20th century, glue tempera on canvas, 73.7 × 144.1 CM (29 × 56¾ in.). Baltimore, The Walters Art Museum, Gift of Dr. John Money, 1994, acq. no. 1994.7.20. PROVENANCE Dr. John Money, Baltimore, MD, purchased by the donor in the bazaar, Addis Abäba, Ethiopia, 1966; Walters Art Museum, 1994, by gift.
Bottom Panel: Unidentified artist, Queen of Sheba and King Solomon Conceiving King Mәnilәk I, Ethiopia, 20th century, tempera paint on cotton canvas, 11.4 × 64.1 cm (4½ × 25¼ in.). Salem, The Peabody Essex Museum, Gift of Charles R. and Elizabeth C. Langmuir, after 1973, acc. no. E76042. Photo: Kathy Tarantola.

**Unidentified artist, Triptych Icon with the Apparition of the Virgin Mary at Dayr al-Maģtas (Däbrä Məṭmaq), Ethiopia, ca. 1740–55, tempera on gesso-primed cotton on wood, open 36.7 x 62.5 x 3.8 cm (14⅖ x 24⅗ x 1½ in.). Addis Abäba, Institute of Ethiopian Studies, Addis Ababa University, IESMus4144.