High up on a plateau in the S. Wollo area of Ethiopia sits an ageing bronze cannon, unmarked by any sign or engraving. This cannon is an enduring symbol of the reign of the Emperor Tewodros II of Ethiopia. The 13th of April 1999 marked the 131st anniversary of the suicide of that Emperor, who killed himself to escape capture by an invading British force of 32,000. Tewodros was a remarkable man, most accurately described as the “Peter the Great…

Dabra Damo monastery, which stands north of the road from Adwa to Adigrat, is one of Ethiopia’s most important historic sites. It was founded, according to tradition, at the beginning of the sixth century, by Abuna Za-Mika’el Aragawi, one of the famous Nine Saints. This early dating is confirmed by the building’s architecture, which is distinctly Aksumite. The monastery had a library, thought to have been of considerable importance. It consisted in 1965, according to Dr. Otto Jaeger, of “about…

He is among a handful of Ethiopians who have made it to international celebrity status this century. He is one of the definitive figures of contemporary Ethiopian art, a giant recognized in Ethiopia, on the African continent and in fact the world over. His career spans five decades and three political regimes, and he continues to work today in Villa Alpha, his home and studio. He has elevated the social status of the artist in Ethiopian society. He has produced…

contributor of features on various periods and aspects of Ethiopian history for the past six years. He is one of the steadfast pillars of this publication and we believe that this tribute is long overdue. Although he is not an Ethiopian by birth or citizenship I believe that his contributions to our country are so extensive and enduring that he is deserving of some sort of honorary Ethiopian title. His career in Ethiopia has entered its fifth decade. Unlike most…

Debre Tabor was effectively the capital of Ethiopia during a turbulent period in the 19th Century. There is not much evidence in the town today of this prestigious past. Unlike Gondar which preceded it, or Addis Ababa which followed (after an interval), Debre Tabor has no surviving castles or palaces. It does have two large churches, one of which is quite remarkable, but the fact remains that there is little evidence of past greatness in the town. The important period…

Last week the first of four old churches off the China Road in Northern Ethiopia were reviewed at Zuramba and Mujja. Today we continue with the tour of the churches. My personal favourite of the four churches is Bethlehem – although it is also hard to get to. The turn off from the China road is at the edge of Newfas Mewcha closest to Debra Tabor. From there you proceed to the outskirts of Arb Gebeya (Friday Market), about 23…