Ethiopia at the Crossroads

A landmark survey of the artistic traditions and cross-cultural exchange of Ethiopia, from the early centuries of our era to today

This monumental volume celebrates the artistic traditions of Ethiopia from their origins to the present day, spanning over 1,700 years of history. Seated in the Horn of Africa, the country is an intersection of diverse cultures, religions, and climates. This captivating book examines Ethiopian art as representative of the nation’s notable history and demonstrates the enormous cultural significance of this often-overlooked African nation through the themes of cross-cultural exchange and the human role in the creation and movement of art objects. It features hundreds of images of objects, including painted icons, illuminated manuscripts, coins, textiles, metalwork, and carved wooden crosses, in addition to works by contemporary Ethiopian and diaspora artists.

The book’s essays, by an international roster of distinguished scholars, expand upon the themes and historical moments of encounter between Ethiopia and surrounding cultures, as well as illuminating technical findings of the Walters Art Museum conservation team. Ethiopia at the Crossroads provides an accessible and wide-ranging overview of the history and culture of a storied region that remains relatively unknown to Western audiences.

Published in association with the Walters Art Museum

Exhibition Schedule:

Walters Art Museum, Baltimore
(December 3, 2023-March 3, 2024)

Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, MA
(April 13-July 7, 2024)

Toledo Museum of Art
(August 18-November 10, 2024)

Christine Sciacca is curator of European Art, 300-1400 CE, at the Walters Art Museum.