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Christianity in Ethiopia

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Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo priest

Tewahedo Artifacts

 

Although various religions are present in Ethiopia, the country is predominantly Christian. The majority of Ethiopian Christians belong to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. In the Ethiopian or language of Ge’ez, Tewahedo means "being made one," which refers to the oriental Orthodox belief in the one perfectly unified nature of Christ. This section displays items donated by the Hess family which are part of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.

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Pectoral Crosses

Pectoral crosses are much smaller than blessing or processional crosses. Secured by a blue string or cord, they adorned the necks of the faithful. Many people received their pectoral cross at baptism.

1 & 2 - The metal pectoral crosses displayed here have different designs, but both have suspension loops at the top, indicating their use.

3 – This cross exhibits a simpler design. It is made of stone and has a perforation at its top.

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Sistrum

This percussion instrument consists of a wooden handle and a U-shaped metal frame, with rings attached to two metal bars crossing the frame. When shaken, it produces noise. The name sistrum comes from the Greek σεῖστρον seistron of the same meaning; literally "that which is being shaken". Sistrums were very common instruments in Egyptian cult practice. However, when used in the ritual of the Ethiopian Church, they are known as ṣanāṣel or tsenatsil.

Christianity in Ethiopia