Pendant Icon Case with Abstract Painting

Artist

painter : Daniel Berhanemeskel (Ethiopian, b. 1980)
carver : Qes Kellum HaileSelassie (Ethiopian, born 20th century)

Date

circa 2001

Medium

Paint on wood

Dimensions

Closed : 4 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 1 in. (11.43 x 8.89 x 2.54 cm)
Open : 4 1/2 x 6 1/2 in. (11.43 x 16.51 cm)

Credit Line

Gift of Neal and Elizabeth Sobania

Object Number

2018.25.21

Label

Most pendant icons have intricately carved exterior surfaces. The quality of the exterior carving is often as important as the painting for determining the icon’s value. Pendant icon cases are judged based on the style and depth of the carving, the type of wood used, and other distinctive qualities that demonstrate the maker's skill. Qes Kellem is a priest from the Tembien region in eastern Tigray province. He is widely regarded as one of the finest carvers of pendant icon cases active in Ethiopia today. [Nina Kay'19]