Head
Axum Artist, Ethiopia

Details
Title
Head
Artist/Maker
Axum Artist, Ethiopia
Date
fourth–seventh century
Medium
Terracotta
Dimensions
4 1/2 x 2 3/4 x 3 3/4 inches
Credit
Fred and Rita Richman Collection
Accession #
72.40.137
On View
Currently not on view
Ethiopia’s long association with the Coptic Christian tradition is reflected in colorful paintings and illustrated texts that depict important historical and religious figures in ritual and daily activities. The facial features of such works—especially the long, protruding, aquiline nose and large eyes—recall Byzantine art. These influences are evident in this clay head, which may have served as a commemorative image of an important individual.
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