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Anthropology
Section
Art
Gallery
Ethno-Musicological
Ethiopia
CAN Center
Exhibitions
and Symposia
Philatelic
Publication
Research
Proposals
Society of
Friends of IES
Staffs
Addis Ababa University
Institute of Ethiopian Studies
The Museum of the IES operates with the main objectives of "preserving cultural and historical objects for the present and future generations, and providing continuous assistance to researchers."
History of the Museum
Collection of ethnographic objects at the IES was started in the early I950s at the former University College of Addis Ababa (UCAA). At about the same time, an ethnological society was established, consisting of mainly university students, to raise funds and to collect items from their origins carried out essentially by students returning home during vacations. In addition, the ethnographic objects and zoological specimens, collected by Italians (1936-41), were transferred from Ministry of Agriculture compound then situated in Akaki (an industrial suburb of Addis Ababa) to Arat Kilo Campus that housed UCAA. After the founding of the IES in 1963, the ethnographic collection was moved from the Arat Kilo Campus to the new seat of the IES, in the former, Imperial Palace, the Geunete-Leul, and now the main campus of Addis Ababa University.
Historically the IES museum was meant to be an ethnographic collection. However, because of the threat to an increasing number of old Ethiopian paintings, crosses and other valuable church appurtenances from illicit and commercial drives, the Museum decided to collect and preserve them in about 1965 in order to save them and start an art gallery. By 1975 the Museum had become the seat of the largest and most representative collection of Ethiopia's sacred art in public hands. Currently, the IES Museum houses in one building the Ethnographic and the Traditional Art Collections, besides the Ethno-Musicological, the Philatelic, and the Coins and Bank Notes Collections. The major collections are the Ethnographic Collection and the Traditional Art Collection that are conveniently displayed on the two floors of the Museum. Although the collections have had to be separated for convenience, they are, nevertheless, complementary and offer a fairly representative view of the material, cultural and spiritual life of Ethiopians.
The late 70s saw the implementation of an important renovation work of a staircase leading to the top floor accommodating the art gallery. This work, which took over three years, was important because it doubled the size of the exhibition and made possible the establishment of the current art gallery which covers over 500 square meters. The cataloguing of museum objects and publication of a museum manual and the improvement of layout and display of the museum has been significantly enhanced the organization of the Museum.
To preserve and study samples of the traditional arts and artifacts of Ethiopia before they eventually disappear as a result of the impact of industrial civilization;
To prevent, through an increased awareness of the significance of our national heritage, the drain of our cultural property for the profit of foreign museums and collectors, as well as the commercial interests of the Addis Ababa antique market;
To develop and operate an Ethnographic Museum,which covers the whole range of material culture, such as household artifacts, textiles and clothing, basketry, pottery, woodwork,leather work, musical instruments, folk paintings, and religious art, including icons and crosses;
To carry out, promote, coordinate and support research in Ethiopian material culture studies;
To preserve Ethiopia's cultural heritage by collecting, cataloguing and displaying objects of Ethiopian material culture and objects of historical value;
To restrict sales outside the country of precious objects of traditional art and objects of special historical and cultural value;
To provide for the needs of University students, teachers and the University at large;
to provide continuous assistance to researchworkers, both within the country and abroad.
This section is a repository of all Ethiopian postage stamps beginning from back in 1894 and up to 1974. A fine collection of Ethiopian postage stamps dating from 1894 to 1969 was generously donated by Ivan Adler from Sweden. The Ethiopian Ministry of Posts has kindly donated more recent issues.
The Coins and Bank Notes collection contains "primitive money", such as bars of salt and iron, coins from ancient Aksum and from old Harar, and bullets used as "primitive money," and twentieth century modern coins, bank notes introduced since the time of Emperor Menelik II. Plan to expand this numismatic section for display is being worked on.
Restoration and conservation of different valuable cultural materials and paintings is a requisite and is carried out by the restoration and conservation sub-unit of the Museum. Likewise, an audio-visual center for recording purposes, such as photographing objects to assist cataloguing; supporting researchers going on field trips; producing poster and post cards for the museum; recording oral traditions, music, dances, performances, traditional practices of the various culture groups is another sub-unit of the Institute.
AAU
Museums & Special Facilities
Natural Museum
Herbarium
Archive in Institute of Ethiopian Studies
Ethnographic Museum at Main Campus
Audio-Visual Center
Cultural Center