Une archéologie des icônes éthiopiennes

Abstract

Although Ethiopia was christianised in the 4th century, the earliest Ethiopian icons to be preserved date from the 15th century. We are not able so far to establish conclusively whether that was when they appeared in Ethiopia, or whether there existed other, older ones which have completely disappeared. By the analysis of the materials and the way they are implemented, this article examines the stratigraphy of two icons among the oldest preserved to discern the different steps of creation and those concerning its life over a longer period. While highlighting the development of the technology of icons in Ethiopia, it also intends to consider the ways of creating and to reconsider the practices of attribution in the history of Ethiopian art.

Keywords

• Ethiopia
• Fere Seyon
• Ethiopian painting
• materials
• icon