Ethiopian Orthodox, Icon
Gift in memory of Nancy E. MacDonald · National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Open Access (CC0)View original →
Ethiopian Orthodox

Icon

18th century

Current Collection

National Museum of African Art

Washington, D.C., United States

Medium
Wood, paint, ink
Dimensions
9.9 × 20.8 × 1.6 cm
Status
In Museum Collection
Collect24 Art ID
C24-120166

The Ethiopian Orthodox practice of wearing small icons suspended from the neck in cloth or leather bags seems to date to the second half of the 15th century. They were believed to protect against evil. Later, a pierced suspension cylinder, as on this icon, would make these personal icons a true pendant form. Double-sided pendants would become more common in the 17th and 18th centuries. While usua…

Provenance

Gift in memory of Nancy E. MacDonald

Registry history

  • 18th century — Recorded in the collection of National Museum of African Art

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Auction history

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