Ethiopian orthodox visual culture in the age of mechanical reproduction: a research note

This paper explores contemporary visual imagery associated with the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, focusing on the tension between innovation and conservatism deriving from traditions that straddle the realms of religion and commerce. Specifically, it considers the circulation of popular mass-produced c...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Material religion
Main Author: Silverman, Raymond Aaron (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Taylor & Francis [2009]
In: Material religion
Further subjects:B Orthodox Church
B mass-marketing
B chromolithographs
B Ethiopia
B Painting
Online Access: Volltext (Resolving-System)
Description
Summary:This paper explores contemporary visual imagery associated with the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, focusing on the tension between innovation and conservatism deriving from traditions that straddle the realms of religion and commerce. Specifically, it considers the circulation of popular mass-produced chromolithographic prints and the contexts in which this imagery has been integrated into Orthodox religious practice. These prints today may be found displayed in churches where they serve as objects of devotion and as models for paintings produced by local artists. The paper argues that the current phenomenon is in fact a latter day manifestation of a process that has been practiced for centuries in the highlands of Ethiopia.
ISSN:1751-8342
Contains:Enthalten in: Material religion
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.2752/175183409X418766