addis ababa, ethnological museum1

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Addis Ababa (the name means 'new flower') is of fairly recent origin - Menelik II founded the city in 1887 but is an important administrative centre not only for Ethiopia but also for the whole of Africa. Situated in the foothills of the Entoto Mountains and standing 2,400 metres above sea level it is the third highest capital in the world. The city has a population of about four million.

Entrance to Addis Ababa University

gardens and fountains of University’s main campus

Set within Haile Selassie’s former palace and surrounded by the beautiful gardens and fountains of Addis Ababa University’s main campus is the enthralling Ethnological Museum, one of the finest museums in Africa.

set of stairs spiraling precariously skyward near the palace’s main entrance

On top of the stairs is a Lion! In fact it is the Lion of Judea – the symbol of the Ethiopian Royal family. The Italians invaded and occupied Ethiopia form 1936-1941. The Ethnological Museum, on the grounds of Addis Ababa University, used to be Emperor Haile Selassie’s Palace and residence. The Italians decided to build the stairs just out front with each step representing a year in the reign of Benito Mussolini and the fascists since 1922. A kind of poke in the eye to Ethiopian people. Well, the Allies threw the Italians out and the Emperor returned. Rather than be spiteful, Haile Selassie had his personal symbol put on top to show who came out on top!

Gardens and fountains of University’s main campus

Dracaena steudneri - Dragon tree

Within the entrance hall a small exhibition dedicated to the history of the palace, and the doorway to the Institute of Language Studies library (1963)

T. Ras Makonnen (c. 1900- 1983)

Emperor of Ethiopia Haile Selassie I, (1892 – 1975) and Empress Menen Asfaw

Battle of Adwa. Led by Emperor Menelik II, Ethiopian forces defeated the Italian army of General Oreste Baratieri at Adwa on March 1, 1896. Considered to be one of the most important events in Ethiopian history, this battle is seen by some as the first great step in the African journey toward freedom from colonial rule. Ethiopians celebrate "Adwa" day as a national holiday.

Stele from silte with a highly realistic representation of a human face

The museum building itself is of interest as it used to be the old palace, and a number of the rooms are open to visitors.

Chair carved from a single tree trunk

Ethiopia Traditional Costume

Hunting

Grave markers at the Ethnological Museum

Wooden burial structures

The museum is unique for the displays are according to life cycles in a human being. The first section about childhood, second adulthood and last topic is death & beyond practices of each Ethiopian tribes.

Text: InternetPictures: Sanda Foişoreanu Alin Samochis Sanda Negruţiu Jean Moldovan InternetCopyright: All the images belong to their authors

Presentation: Sanda Foişoreanuwww.slideshare.net/michaelasanda

Sound: Abebech Derara - Belu Enji - Kasahun Bayu