History of Ethiopia: 2

The Art and Music of Ethiopia

Art:

One of the styles of art found in the country of Ethiopia are church style paintings and crosses for religious purposes. Since, Ethiopia is mentioned in the bible, these religious style paintings have been found in Ethiopia for hundreds of years.1 Afework Tekle is a popular artist from Ethiopia who does this style of paintings.

A piece from Afework Tekle displaying religious themes





Another example of art from Ethiopia's past are it's works of stone monuments. "The monumental Stelae of Aksum." Aksum is an ancient city in Ethiopia where stone monuments have survived from 3rd and 4th century A.D. These monuments were cut from rock walls and dragged by man power to create. There are several tombs in this area, and believed that the monuments and great designs ranged from peoples social status's. These stelaes were apparently put up around the same time Aksum adopted christianity as their religion. 2

A decorated Stelae from Aksum

Music:

Music in Ethiopia ranges in styles due to its many ethnic groups. In The Horn Of Africa where Ethiopia is located traditional folk music is popular. Religious music is also very popular throughout Ethiopia since it is a primarily religious country. In The Northeast of Ethiopia a muslim musical style  called Manzuma formed. Manzuma is sung in the Oromo language. Another musical style is located in Ethiopia's highlands and is traditional contemporary music called "azmaris." 3 Types of instruments found in Ethiopia are; Chordophones, Aerophones, idiophones, and membranophones.

An Example of an Ethiopian Intrument: The Krar: A Chordophone

 

Flags of Ethiopia:

 

 

 

This flag is Ethiopia's original flag. This flag dates back to the 17th Century. The colors red, yellow, and green are still used on the flag today. This flag was important in The Ethiopian Empire's Solomonic dynasty.4

 

 

This flag is The Empire Flag. The green represented the nations land, yellow its christianity, and red the power of the nation. The lion is The Lion of Judah and represents the nations christianity during The 19th Century when this flag was made.

 

Current Ethiopian Flag

 

 

 

Ethiopia has had several flags created over the hundreds of years, this is Ethiopias most current flag created in 1996. The green stands for fertility, yellow stands for hope and justice, and lastly the red for sacrifice. The star is placed in the middle as a symbol for unity and the future.5

 

 

Sources:

 

1.) http://ethiopianculture.org/art.html

 

2.)http://metmuseum.org/toah/hd/aksu_2/hd_aksu_2.htm

 

3.) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_of_Ethiopia

 

4.)http://www.ethiopianflag.net/

 

5.)http://www.sharyemtours.com/home/map.html