MYSTICAL NOTATIONS


MYSTICAL NOTATIONS

Orthodox Christian scribes etch religious writings on traditional parchments (Birana) at the Ghion Hotel on Ras Desta Damtew St. The 10 day exhibition by the Hamere Berhan Institute featured various paintings and writings with uniquely Ethiopian overtones. The parchments, pens and inks are all prepared at the institute in the Piazza District. Goatskins are tightly stretched over metal frames to dry for days before being immersed in water to make the parchments. Several ancient manuscripts in the Ge'ez language with financial and artistic value are preserved in Birana parchments nationwide.


In-Picture

CURVY CORRIDORS

Rows of metal cups offer liquid solace for mourners going to the cemetery around Yeka Michael Church. An eerie optical illusion occurs as the row of cups seem to curve alongside the winding road. Traditional drinks made of cereal variety (Rhamnus prinoides) and Gesho and fermented honey are often served as refreshments in Ethiopian ceremonies of celebration and mourning. While tea and water are also offered in metallic cups colloquially known as nickel, a cold offering during social occasions of...


In-Picture

SLEEK SLABS

A street food vendor around the Stadium area pockets his inventory on a cosy corner wall. The area is being renovated as the eponymous soccer field's protracted construction nears completion. Bicycles for rental, informal driving instructors and the make-shift tent shops synonymous with the area are being slowly removed.  The six-decade-old stadium has been under construction for five years due to changing contractors and skyrocketing input costs. Kejela Merdasa, the minister of Culture & S...


In-Picture

CERAMIC SILHOUETTES

A new statue with emblems of the African Union hoisted atop traditional Ethiopian warriors casts a towering shadow across city hall near the Adwa Zero Kilometer Museum. The gargantuan project, spanning 45,000sqm, has recently opened its doors to the public to significant fanfare. The 4.6 billion Br project is made of 11 blocks that have auditoriums that can house 4,000 people at a time, galleries, gyms and art installations. A connecting bridge to the Mayor's office located across the street has...


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