An anthropomorphic stela

21 October 2020

This atypical anthropomorphic stone stela would come from Arsi province in Ethiopia. Arsi is a province of central Ethiopia and the name of a culture related to it. This province is known for housing a considerable number of stelae of all sizes and shapes. Research into the origin and use of these monuments is still ongoing.

Anthropomorphic stela. Arsi province, Ethiopia. 18th-19th century. Stone. H. 148 cm. Former private collection and Michel Van Den Dries collection, Gavere. Inv. 1027-196. Musée Barbier-Mueller, photo Luis Lourenço.