Battle of Adwa, The (1896) As Depicted in Traditional Ethiopian Art: Changing Historical Perspective

Synopsis

The victory of Emperor Menilek of Ethiopia over the Italians in the Battle of Adwa in 1896 was a major event in the history of Africa. As a result Ethiopia survived the nineteenth century European scramble for Africa - the only African state to do so. The battle soon became a major theme of Ethiopian popular art (which has been described as an Africanised form of Byzantine Christian art). Shows how the Battle was depicted - and re-interpreted - by Ethiopian artists for close on a century.

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Medium

Video; Videocassette. Standard formats. col. 40 min.

Year of production

1986

Availability

Sale

Uses

Students of African history and Ethopian culture. History of art students, particularly Byzantine, Oriental and African art.

Subjects

Art; History

Keywords

Africa; Battle of Aduwa; Byzantine art; Ethiopia; paintings

Credits

Producer

Pat Wisher

Writer

Richard J Pankhurst

Distributor

Name

London Guildhall University

Phone

020 7320 1008

Fax

020 7320 1117

Address

Calcutta House
Old Castle Street
LONDON
E1 7NT

Notes

Contact: Sue Turner (4/97)