19th c. Ethiopian Double-Diptych (Central Panel)

Name/Title

19th c. Ethiopian Double-Diptych (Central Panel)

Entry/Object ID

2018.5

Description

19th c. Ethiopian Double Diptych (Central Panel).

Artwork Details

Medium

Wood, Slate

Made/Created

Time Period

19th Century

Notes

Ethiopia

Dimensions

Height

3-7/8 in

Width

3-1/8 in

Depth

3/8 in

Interpretative Labels

Label Type

Object Label

Label

19th c. Ethiopian Double Diptych (Central Panel). Slate set into wood frame. Contains the Crucifixion with Mary and St. John on one side, and Madonna and Child with Angels on the reverse. This miniature stone relief, with scenes of the Mother and Child and the Crucifixion, is the center section of a pendant double diptych–a type of multi-paneled icon distinctive to Ethiopia. Two additional panels (now missing) were once attached to the pendant by string looped through small holes drilled on both sides of the frame. These panels could be closed or opened to make a diptych on each side. The outer side of the wing panels might have featured geometric ornament; the inner side would have shown religious imagery, such as the Annunciation, St. George, or an Archangel.