Exhibition

Ethiopia at the Crossroads

On view April 13 to July 7, 2024

Discover the first major exhibition in America to examine Ethiopian art in a global context. This extraordinary exhibition celebrates the artistic traditions of Ethiopia from their origins to the present day. Explore nearly 2,000 years of Ethiopian art and culture through more than 200 objects, including painted religious icons, illuminated manuscripts, gospel books, coins, metalwork and carvings paired with works by renowned contemporary Ethiopian artists including Wosene Worke Kosrof, Helina Metaferia, Aïda Muluneh, and Elias Sime.

Seated in the Horn of Africa between Europe and the Middle East, Ethiopia is an intersection of diverse cultures, religions and climates. Ethiopia at the Crossroads examines the enormous cultural significance of this often-overlooked African nation through art that tells the story of the region’s history and demonstrates the vibrancy of cross-cultural exchange and the human role in the creation and movement of these art objects. This exhibition draws from PEM’s collection of Ethiopian icons and processional crosses, and is augmented with loans from American, European, and Ethiopian lenders.

Follow along on social media using #EthiopiaCrossroads

Ethiopia at the Crossroads is co-organized by the Peabody Essex Museum, the Walters Art Museum and the Toledo Museum of Art. The exhibition has been made possible by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (MA-253352-OMS-23) and two major grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom.The exhibition at PEM is made possible by the generosity of Carolyn and Peter S. Lynch and The Lynch Foundation. We also thank James B. and Mary Lou Hawkes, Chip and Susan Robie, and Timothy T. Hilton as supporters of the Exhibition Innovation Fund. We recognize the generosity of the East India Marine Associates of the Peabody Essex Museum.

Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this exhibition do not necessarily reflect those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

TOURING SCHEDULE
Toledo Museum of Art
August 18–November 10, 2024

TOP IMAGE: Folding Processional Icon in the Shape of a Fan (detail), Ethiopian, late 15th century. Ink and paint on parchment, thread. Museum purchase with funds provided by the W. Alton Jones Foundation. Acquisition Fund, 1996. The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore.

Artist in Ethiopia, Basket with conical top and colored bands, 20th century. Plant fibers. Museum collection. E4642. Courtesy of the Peabody Essex Museum.

Artist in Ethiopia, Processional Cross, 18th century. Brass. Gift of Elizabeth C. Langmuir, 1988. E67931. Courtesy of the Peabody Essex Museum.

Artist in Ethiopia, Royal Cloak (detail), 20th century. Cotton velveteen, gold thread, sequins, beads, black crepe lining. Gift of Mary R. Gammon, 2003. The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore.

Artist in Ethiopia, The Virgin and Child with Archangels, Scenes from the Life of Christ, and Saints, early 17th century. Tempera on panel. Museum purchase with funds provided by the W. Alton Jones Foundation Acquisition Fund, 1996. The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore.

Wosene Worke Kosrof (Ethiopian, born 1955), Wax and Gold X, 2014. Acrylic on canvas. Jolene Tritt and Paul Herzog Collection. © Wosene Worke Kosrof.