The Faces of Ethiopia: Exploring History, Culture & Ancestral Connections

We arrived in Ethiopia at the end of the rainy season, just in time for the grand 2000 millennial celebrations. The land greeted us with lush, fertile expanses, graced with hills blanketed in delicate blossoms. Immersed in a project of research and photography, I sought to explore the connections between Ethiopia and the ancient cultures of the Nile Valley. Our journey took us to the origin of the Blue Nile and to breathtaking Coptic Christian landmarks, including the legendary Ark of the Covenant resting place in Axum and the earth-ensconced St. George rock-hewn church.

We navigated the ancient streets of Harar and mingled with the vibrant Rastafarian community in Shashamane, with the backdrop of majestic waterfalls, expansive savannas, and the Simien Mountains' grandeur. This adventure not only enriched my research but also inspired the photographic film project "The Faces of Ethiopia," a tribute to the nation's captivating beauty, diverse people and cultures.