Exploration conducted by the Seljan brothers

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Geographic map of Southern Ethiopia drawn by Mirko Seljan.

Belt

Blanket (Shabraque) and a saddle

Saddle pad

Bag

Bag

Shield. According to the Seljan brothers, the shield originated from the Arusha region in central Ethiopia, to the South from the Shewa (Shoa) Province.

Shield

Shield

Shield

The shield that belonged to Ras Makonnen in the Battle of Adwa in 1895/96. Ras gave it as a gift to Stevo Seljan.

Shield and Sabre sword. A gift by the Emperor Menelik II to Mirko Seljan. The translation of the inscription in the Amharic language: Ethiopia Stretches out her Hands to God.

Spear

Spears

Spear

Bow

Pouch

Pouch

Pouch

Mace

Flail

Horn. Used as a weapon.

Whip

Whips

Sword

Sword

Sword

Knife

Knife

Saddle and harness. Parts of the harness: leather straps, iron bridoons and halter from belts with brass ornaments.

Shirt. A gift by the Emperor Menelik II.

Cape (Burnus)

Cloak (Shama)

Cloak

Basket. The Seljan brothers wrote that such baskets were given as a gift to the fiancee on the wedding day.

Cibukpipe

Spoons

Bracelets. The Seljan brothers attributed them to the Olam and Galla tribes. They are worn around the hand, on the upper arm and high up on the arm.

Bracelets from copper and bronze strap, open and decorated by incision. Copper bracelets are worn by tribal chief amongst the Bako tribes.

Men's bracelets

Rings. Worn by men who had killed an elephant. The Seljan brothers stated that each ring was worth one elephant killed. After the seventh elephant killed by the hunter also the hunter's wife was entitled to wear one such ring. After the tenth elephant had been killed by the hunter the hunter's wife was entitled to wearing three such rings.

Rings. According to the Seljan brothers, they were worn by the Abyssinian women, probably in more developed northern provinces.

Needles

Needles

Ear spoons

Coptic crosses. According to the Seljan brothers, such crosses were worn only by the members of the royal family. Item Ex695 is a little decorative silver link which was also made in filigree and granulation. Abyssinian women wear it on a black ribbon around their necks.

Earrings

Candle holder

Chalice

Ornament for the sabre sword (Porte-epee)

Medal. The crowned head of Negus Menelik II was illustrated on one side, whereas on the other side there is a crowned lion with a flag.

Official document written in the Amharic language.

Official document written in the Amharic language.

Official document written in the Amharic language.

Official document written in the Amharic language.

Envelope of the official document written in the Amharic language.

Emperor's document written in the Amharic language.

Emperor's document written in the Amharic language.

Official document written in Amharic and German.

Official document written in the Amharic language.

Official document written in the Amharic language.

Official document written in the Amharic language.

Official document written in the Amharic language.

Envelope

Elephant tails

Medal that stands for the Order of the Star of Ethiopia

Medal of the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Solomon

Charter. The Charter was written in the Amharic language and script. Here is the translation of the text:
The King of Kings Menelik II, the Emperor of Ethiopia, chosen by God and the Lion of the tribe of Judah. I send my regards to all those whom it may concern. These respected kings who in their knowledge and wisdom are powerful and big decorate with medals their compatriots, friends and clerks. We decorate the Austrian StjepanSeljan with a medal of Solomon for his service in our country and for the government and we allow him to wear this medal on his chest. Written in the city of Addis Ababa 20 Yekatit 1893 (Lazarević 1991: 53).

Charter. The Charter was written in the Amharic language and script. Here is the translation of the text:
The King of Kings Menelik II, the Emperor of Ethiopia, chosen by God and the Lion of the tribe of Judah. I send my regards to all those whom it may concern. These respected kings who in their knowledge and wisdom are powerful and big decorate with medals their compatriots, friends and clerks. We decorate the Austrian StjepanSeljan with a medal of Solomon for his service in our country and for the government and we allow him to wear this medal on his chest. Written in the city of Addis Ababa 20 Yekatit 1893 (Lazarević 1991: 53).

Objects