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Many of the architectural features of the Lalibela churches reflect ancient traditions, best preserved in the monolithic stelae of Aksum, erected mainly in the 4th century, which in turn find precedent in much older African grave markers. As Christianity spread in Ethiopia, the Aksumite solar disks, lunar crescents, and stone beams and jambs of the type shown here evolved into cross patterns, ever more intricate in their positive/negative interplays. Even as a dove perches on this fallen stele (along with a pair of cordon bleu finches), Holy Spirit doves surmount a cross from the Ura Kidane Meret monastery on the shores of Lake Tana. The birds flank a patée cross, whose interstices make “dove’s eyes,” and an ostrich egg — African talisman turned icon of resurrection.

 

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