African art, Ethiopian scrolls, and icons provide the foundation for the art and handmade reproductions for sale through World Art Designs. In particular, the images found on Ethiopian healing scrolls from the 18th and 19th centuries inspired the artist, Irini Spyridakis. She has recreated these art works and reproduced them on solid wood plaques measuring 6.25 (w) x 9.25 (h) x .75 (d) inches. The written descriptions underneath the art below appear on the back of each plaque. A faux finish on each plaque completes the authentic aura.
The designs available through World Art Designs represent an homage to African spiritual art, a profound art form that has much to offer to people's spirits in today's busy world. Ethiopian scrolls and their art are believed to provide healing powers and to ward off evil spirits. The original scrolls were quite long and narrow, and contained alternating art and written prayers. Read more about this art form in Scroll Art History.
Click on the seven images below for a larger view. I welcome your interest! |
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Eight-pointed Star
19th century reproduction of an Ethiopian healing scroll. A common motif in Ethiopian scrolls is the face inside an eight-pointed star. The eight points indicate the four directions of the talisman’s protective power. |
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Daniel and the Lions
18th century reproduction of an Ethiopian protective scroll. In Biblical times, Daniel was thrown into the lions' den because he violated the king's wishes by praying to God. But God protected him and he emerged unharmed. |
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Faith Seal
18th century reproduction of an Ethiopian protective scroll. The prayer text that accompanies this seal reads "powerful medicine." The colorful checkerboard design is common in Ethiopian scroll art. |
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Gondar Cherubs
Inspired from ceiling art from the Debre Berhan Selassie Church in Gondar, Ethiopia. The original ceiling contains 80 cherubs with dimensionality seen in the checkerboard designs on the ceiling beams. |
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The Cross
19th century reproduction of an Ethiopian protective scroll. This intricate design is inspired by the elaborate workmanship found in the iron, brass, and wood crosses made in Ethiopian for centuries. |
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Checkerboard Faces
Inspired by 19th century Ethiopian scrolls. The alternating Xs and checkered-squares are common in scroll art. The X motif, when combined with prayers, allows for the undoing of spells. |
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Protective Motif
19th century reproduction of an Ethiopian protective scroll. This motif shows protective, haloing robes and uses color symbolically: yellow represents light; blue, beauty; red, blood; and black, the baptismal water. |
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| ©Copyright 2005-2009. Irini K. Spyridakis. All rights reserved. Last updated: January 7, 2009. |
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