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.
Browse Related Artwork

Billy and Minzly
Rahim Fortune

Crowd at Funeral, Atlanta
Burk Uzzle

Lee Square, Richmond, Virginia
Kris Graves

Studio (0X5A8180), 2021
Paul Mpagi Sepuya

Teapot Museum, South Carolina
Burk Uzzle

Ted Kennedy at MLK Funeral, Atlanta
Burk Uzzle

Tire Shop
Rahim Fortune

Line Me Up, Kyle, Texas
Rahim Fortune

Gem’s Arm
Rahim Fortune

Say My Name
Fahamu Pecou