Shewa Collection

Banquet Hall of King Sahla Sellasie, Ethiopia
After Lent the King provided an open table to every free man in a banquet that lasted a week. Watercolour, 1842. Johann Martin Bernatz. 1842

An Ethiopian man wears a headdress made from the skin of a gelada, a unique baboon-like primate that lives at high altitudes in northern Ethiopia

Beautifully carved stelae represent the headstones of an 11th to 13th century burial ground at Tiya. They date back to the time of King Lalibela who was responsible for the construction of many

An old Ethiopian Orthodox priest holds a large brass Coptic cross at the rock-hewn church of Adadi Maryam, just south of Addis Abeba. This is the southernmost of Ethiopias rock-hewn churches

Male in traditional dress, Shewa, Ethiopia
Watercolour by Johann Martin Bernatz, 1842. Bernatz was the official artist on the British diplomatic expedition to Shewa, Ethiopia 1841-1843. Date: 1842

Female in traditional dress, Shewa, Ethiopia
Watercolour by Johann Martin Bernatz, 1842. Bernatz was the official artist on the British diplomatic expedition to Shewa, Ethiopia 1841-1843. Date: 1842

A proud peasant farmer harvests wheat between Ziway and Butajira in Central Ethiopia. Aided by his neighbours, the harvesting is carried out manually using sickles

Ponies trample corn to remove the grain in a typical rural setting outside Shashemene. Depending on the availability of animals, a farmer may use ponies, donkeys or oxen for this purpose

Donkeys trample corn to remove the grain in a typical rural setting between Ziway and Butajira. Depending on the availability of animals, a farmer may use ponies, donkeys or oxen for this purpose

A man winnows Teff, a small-grained cereal, with a wooden hayfork.; Teff is grown extensively in Ethiopia and is used to make injera, a fermented, bread-type pancake

A man rides to market on his gaily-caprisoned pony. His saddlecloth is embroidered with Ethiopias imperial lion. Lions are associated with Ethiopias last monarch, the late Emperor Haile Selassie

The impressive Shewa Gate is one of the seven entrances to the medieval walled city of Harar. Once an independent city-state dating back to the early 16th century

A large gathering of people at Senbetes livestock market, which is an important weekly market close to the western scarp of the Abyssinian Rift

South Abyssinia Highlands, Ethiopia
Watercolour by Johann Martin Bernatz and Robert Kirk, 1842. Bernatz was the official artist and Kirk the assistant surgeon on the British diplomatic expedition to Shewa, Ethiopia 1841-1843. Date: 1842

Menelik & Salsa / 1896
The meeting of Menelik, one of Ethiopias greatest emperors with Major Salsa of the Italian envoy

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"Exploring the Rich Heritage of Shewa: A Glimpse into Ethiopia's Cultural Tapestry" Step into the majestic Banquet Hall of King Sahla Sellasie, located in the heart of Shewa, Ethiopia. Adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant colors, this historical site is a testament to the grandeur of Ethiopian architecture. Immerse yourself in the traditional dress as you encounter a male donning an exquisite ensemble. The vibrant hues and intricate patterns reflect the rich cultural heritage that has been passed down through generations. Intriguingly, a female in traditional dress captivates onlookers with her grace and elegance. Her attire showcases not only her beauty but also represents the deep-rooted traditions that have shaped Shewa's identity. Delve further into history as you come across an engraving depicting "Le Roi Du Choa. " This artwork pays homage to past rulers who played significant roles in shaping Shewa's destiny. Venture beyond urban landscapes to explore South Abyssinia Highlands – a breathtaking region where nature intertwines seamlessly with human existence. Here, an Ethiopian man proudly wears a headdress made from gelada skin, showcasing his connection to both nature and tradition. Witnessing an old Ethiopian Orthodox priest holding a large brass artifact reminds us of the spiritual significance embedded within Shewa's culture. These sacred objects serve as conduits for connecting individuals with their faith and ancestors. Shifting gears towards political history, one cannot overlook Menelik II – Emperor of Ethiopia – whose reign left an indelible mark on Shewa's development. His visionary leadership propelled progress while preserving cherished customs. As we journey through rural landscapes dotted by proud peasant farmers harvesting wheat between Ziway, we witness firsthand their unwavering dedication to sustain their communities' livelihoods amidst changing times.