Description

Height: 18cm

Width: 5cm

A distinctive Ethiopian Coptic travelling altar, hand carved and hand painted, constructed in a compact shrine form with hinged opening panels.

The exterior is richly carved with geometric and cross motifs, surmounted by a traditional Coptic cross finial above a domed top.

When opened, the interior reveals hand painted icon panels depicting religious figures and scenes in the characteristic Ethiopian iconographic style, with bold outlines and vivid, earthy pigments.

These portable altars were used for private devotion or travel, allowing worship to be conducted away from permanent churches.

The craftsmanship reflects traditional Ethiopian ecclesiastical art, where carving and painting were often undertaken by skilled artisans working within long-established religious traditions.

Pieces such as this combine sculptural form with devotional function, making them both culturally significant and visually striking.