Synopses & Reviews
Ethiopia is a land of hidden treasures, and among the greatest are its remote churches, whose richly decorated interiors amaze and astound with their vibrant colours and extraordinary illustration. Yet steeped in ancient legend, and often situated in remote locations, a true appreciation and understanding of these unique churches and their spectacular murals has been restricted to a select few. Now, in Hidden Treasures of Ethiopia, Maria-Jose Friedlander provides a unique guide to the churches, their architecture and decoration. Ranging from the rock-hewn churches of the Tigray region to the spectacular timber-built cave church of Yemrehane Krestos, Maria-Jose Friedlander provides detailed descriptions of the wonderful murals and of the stories behind them. Many of the wall paintings contain inscriptions in Ge'ez - the ancient language of Ethiopia - and full translations of these scripts are given. Detailed plans show the exact location of the paintings within the churches and the superb colour photographs by Bob Friedlander show the many aspects of the churches and their decoration in rich detail.
About the Author
Maria-Jose Friedlander has a degree in art history from London University, UK. She has travelled extensively and has been a specialist tour guide in many countries around the world.
Bob Friedlander studied engineering at Trinity College, Cambridge and was a managing director with the Ford.
Table of Contents
Preface
Introduction by Richard Pankhurst, OBE
1. The Architecture of the Churches
2. Ethiopian Christianity and Saints
The Coming of Christianity
The Nine Syrian saints
Other Saints
The Equestrian Saints
Iconography of the Virgin Mary
3. The Jesuit Interlude
The First Legation
Pedro Paez
After Paez
The Jesuit Influence on Ethiopian Art
4. The Churches of Tigray
The Rock Hewn Churches of Geralta
Yohannes Meaquddi
Kidana Mehrat on Debre Tsion
Maryam Korkor and Daniel Korkor
Maryam Korkor
Daniel Korkor
Maryam Papasetti
Abuna Gabre Mikael at Koraro
Abreha Atsbeha
The Rock Hewn Churches of Tsaeda Amba
Mikael Biet Mahar
Petros and Paulos
Mikael Melehayzenghi
Medhane Alem of Adi Kasho
5. The Gondarine Churches
Debre Berhan Selassie at Gondar
Debre Sina Maryam at Gorgora
Narga Selassie on Lake Tana
6. The Churches near Lalibela
Yemrahane Krestos
Ghenate Maryam
Makina Medhane Alem
Chronology of Kings and Emperors
The Ethiopian Calendar
Glossary
Bibliography
Index