MESKEL
The cross. A symbol synonymous with Ethiopia and her story. Outside its religious symbolism the cross has always been a representation of Ethiopia’s grand artistic ability. Throughout my years Ive been proud to witness the meskel sitting pretty on the necks of many people, being used in religious processions in orthodox churches and decorating museums all across the globe.
Being one of my favourite peices of art it was only right that I recreated a drawing of a meskel myself. The one I chose to draw was of a beautiful wooden processional cross from before the 17th Century. Attributed to master artist Ezra, from the Tigray region in the Ethiopian highlands.
Currently in the possesion of the MET (New York) but not on view for the public. It is a travesty that this Ethiopian treasure is not only hidden away but also located in a land not connected in any way to its orginal intended purpose. To heal and to bless.
Creating this drawing has continued to open doors to my ethiopian roots. Through research of the traditional cross making process and conversations of the significance of the cross and other religious iconography in Ethiopia, this process has pulled tighter my connections to Ethiopia and its art history which I only hope to discover deeper. I have placed a video below that details the significance of the meskel in Ethiopia. Enjoy.