Visual Representations of Christian Talisman Arts: A Comparative Study of Ethiopia and Coptic Egypt
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Date
2020-11
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Talisman art esoteric practices were evolved from indigenous knowledge, religious values, and cultural perspectives. Talisman art in Ethiopia and Coptic Egypt were transferred informally from generation to generation for long periods. Due to having a long historical relationship, Ethiopian and Coptic Christian talisman arts share a common source of talisman art culture. Both countries‟ talisman arts used virtually similar talisman culture, secret symbols, way of visual representations, and material culture though it is not clearly defined. On the other hand, western scholars claim and wrote that the Ethiopian talisman arts directly adopted from Coptic talisman arts. This thesis investigates the indigenous practices of talisman art history, visual representation, material culture, and artistic compositions both in Ethiopia and Coptic Egypt comparatively. 19 Ethiopian Däbtäräs/practitioners and 5 Coptic experts selected based on purposive sampling method from northern and central Ethiopia. The Coptic talismans are not active among the society. Due to this the Coptic talisman informants were researchers and experts in Egypt and outside Egypt. This study helps to address the talisman art experts, Däbtäräs, and talisman artists to identify the common understanding and basic difference between Ethiopian and Coptic Christian talisman arts. Finally, it forwards recommendation and possible suggestions to stakeholders.
Key terms
Däbtärä, Egypt, Ethiopia, Esoteric Art, Symbols, Talisman Art, Visual Representation
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Keywords
Egypt, Ethiopia, Esoteric Art, Symbols, Talisman Art, Visual Representation x