addis ababa, the national museum4

http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/sandamichaela-2135138-ethiopia8/

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.

The National Museum of Ethiopia (NME), also referred to as the Ethiopian National Museum, is the primary museum in Ethiopia. It is located in the nation's capital, Addis Ababa, near the graduate school of Addis Ababa University.

In 1936, the concept of a museum was first introduced in Ethiopia when an exhibition was opened, displaying ceremonial costumes donated by the royal family and their close associates.

The NME at present has four main exhibition sections. The basement is dedicated to archaeological and paleoanthropological sections The first floor contains objects from ancient and medieval periods, as well as regalia and memorabilia from former rulers, who include Emperor Haile Selassie. The second floor show art work in a chronological order, from traditional to contemporary works. These include murals, Afewerk Tekle and other Ethiopian artists. Finally, the third floor has an ethnographic display. Here, the museum tries to give an overview of the cultural richness and variety of the peoples of Ethiopia.

The basement is dedicated to archaeological and paleo-anthropological sections

Oil lamp with representation of a dog hunting an Ibex (bronze before 1th C.B.C)

Crown of Emperor Haile Selassie I (1892 – 1975)

The first floor contains objects from ancient and medieval periods, as well as regalia and memorabilia from former rulers, who include Emperor Haile Selassie.

The second floor show art work in a chronological order, from traditional to contemporary works.

Finally, the third floor has an ethnographic display. Here, the museum tries to give an overview of the cultural richness and variety of the peoples of Ethiopia.

A sistrum (plural: sistrums or Latin sistra) is a musical instrument of the percussion family, still used in the rites of the Coptic and Ethiopian churches

Cowrie shells, used for decoration, are seen everywhere; and some women carry their babies in beautifully shell-decked halters. Distinctive local coiffures are achieved with the aid of mud or butter; they are stylized and resemble the hairdos recorded in Hittite and Egyptian art 

Traditional Ethiopian Musical Instruments (lyra)

Traditional Ethiopian Musical

Instruments (lyra)

A kebero is a double-headed, conical hand drum used in the traditional music of Eritrea and Ethiopia. A piece of animal hide is stretched over each end, thus forming a membranophone. A large version of the instrument is also used in Orthodox Christian liturgical music, while smaller versions are used in secular celebrations

Handcarved and incised olive wood pillow headrest, from southern Ethiopia. Thes pillows are used not only to maintain elaborate the elaborate hairstyles of both men and women, but also prevent insects from entering the ears. Beautifully carved on both sides.

Silver Trim Ethiopian Pillow

Drum with a painted lid that displayed the traditional depiction of the Holy Trinity in Ethiopian Orthodox faith

The traditional wooden plow (“maresha”) has a sharply pointed metal tine and a metal hook

Emperor Haile Sellasie I giving directions to 12

students

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: Dawit Ferew Hailu - Instrumental music