Museum Explorer
Gods and spirits
in Africa
Church wall hanging
From: Gondar, Ethiopia
Date: late 18th century AD
Christianity has been the main religion of Ethiopia since the 4th century AD. During this time, the Ethiopian church has woven silk to make many beautiful objects. Most impressive of all are the wall hangings. This one would have been hung up between the main part of the church and the altar. It is made of silk brought in from China, and is the largest silk weaving of its kind anywhere in the world.
The hanging shows the lying-in-state of King Bafkaffa after he died in 1730. The figures on it are shown in incredible detail. You may just be able to make out the King, the Queen and their son. They all wear a blue band of silk around their necks showing their Christian faith.
