Africa, Ethiopia, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A gorgeous painted wooden triptych from the unique Ethiopian Christian tradition. The central image is of Mary with the Christ Child, surrounded by saints and angels; each panel is divided horizontally into two scenes, each depicting a saint or a scene from the life of Christ. Atop the central panel is a bronze cross with an inset painted image of Mary. Ethiopian Christianity is one of the most distinctive traditions of the religion, earlier than much of the rest of Africa thanks to missions from the 1st century until the 4th century, when St. Frumentius of Tyre converted King Ezana. As a result, Ethiopia developed a distinctly African form of Christianity, as demonstrated by this beautiful piece. Size when open: 14.5" W x 14.2" H (36.8 cm x 36.1 cm)

Provenance: private Ventura County, California, USA collection

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#129512

Dark patina on cover. Light staining and wear on painted surfaces, but in general they are in excellent condition. Small losses to the decorative elements on the front and one has been reattached.