There is an interesting collection of the Ethiopian cultural relic at the National Museum in Warsaw capital of Poland. They were donated by Wojciech Korablewicz, a Polish doctor working in Ethiopia and an author of an interesting book, ”Sun in Ambach”, and professor Stanisław Chojnacki, a founder and a longtime curator of the IES Ethnographic Museum at the Addis Ababa University (there is a memory board at the museum which is dedicated to the professor).
The collection mostly comprises crosses which are characteristic of Ethiopia. The deep worship of the Holy Cross has penetrated Ethiopia from the Eastern Christian tradition. It is not only a symbol of the death of the Savior. Through the Resurrection, it is also the symbol of the redemption of humanity.
The metal and wooden crosses look amazing due to their diversity and richness of shapes. They are usually divided into three groups: processional, hand and personal crosses to wear around the neck.
The beautiful Icon of the Salus Populi Romani (“Protectress of the Roman People) is the testimony of the devotion to Mary, extremely widespread among the Ethiopian Christians. The painting which was stored at the Roman church of Santa Maria Maggiore was its prototype.
In order to find the room with the Ethiopian collection, after entering the museum please turn left towards the collection of frescos from Faras.
The National Museum in Warsaw, Poland.
Aleje Jerozolimskie 3
Opening hours: Tuesday through Sunday: 10:00am – 6:00pm Thursday: 10:00am – 9:00pm Monday: closed
Regular ticket: 15PLN Discounted ticket: 10PLN
Tuesday – general admission is free
