Interior of Rock-Hewn Church with Axumite Window

Interior of Rock-Hewn Church with Axumite Window


Image by A. Davey
Weak light penetrates the unadorned rock interior of the 13th century Church of Bet Gabriel-Rufael in Lalibela, Ethiopia.

The window in the center is described as "Axumite" because the shape resembles the top of the towering obelisks (aka stelae) at the ancient Ethiopian capital of Axum.

Erected in the third or fourth century of the common era as royal grave markers, the stelae at Axum had distinctive tops. It’s not a stretch to say the unique outline the classic Axumite stela became a logo, a motif that appeared in Lalibela over eight centuries later to assert political legitimacy and claim continuity with the past.

I wasn’t able to get a good picture of the best remaining Axumite stela because it was surrounded by a fence. I recommend going to sacred-destinations.com www.sacred-destinations.com/ethiopia/axum-photos/slides/s… , where you’ll find a photo of an Axumite stela. While this window doesn’t duplicate the outlines of a classic Axumite stela, I think you’ll agree the stela strongly influenced designers who created this window.

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According to the book Ethiopia & Eritrea by Frances Linzee Gordon and Jean-Bernard Carillet (2nd Edition, Lonely Planet, 2003):

"Because of its curious, irregular plan, it is thought that Bet Gabriel-Rufael served another function before its conversion to a church – perhaps a residence of the royal family."

"The complex is made up of three halls and two courtyards. King Lalibela is said to have addressed his people from the top. Its monumental facade is its most interesting feature. Look for the very unusual Aksumite windows with little pointed arches. Inside, the decoration is quite plain – just three Latin crosses.

Tags:Axumite, Church, interior, RockHewn, window