Book Stand, Ethiopia, 20th century, Wood, carved and painted, On loan from the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library

Book Stand, Ethiopia, 20th century, Wood, carved and painted, On loan from the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library

Ethiopia's long history of Christian devotional reading can be seen in this carved and painted wooden book stand, recalling the famous monumental metalwork stands used for communal reading in the churches of the holy city of Lalibela, in northern Ethiopia. This folding stand, meant to hold a Ge'ez language Bible or other holy book, features two large paintings on the inner surface. The Crucifixion at left and Jesus accompanied by Mary and Joseph at right provide a contemplative setting for book reading and display.

Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library

20th century

Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library

Dimensions: Book is 15 x 9 x 4 cm. Stand is 26cm x 17 cm x 13 cm when opened

Materials: Wood, carved and painted

Fisher Ethiopian book stand - no accession number, cataloguing in process

Ethiopia