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Saint George is a popular figure in Ethiopian iconography, often appearing on horseback driving his lance or spear into the dragon he famously slew[1]. He is venerated as a Christian saint and is the patron saint of Ethiopia[2]. The Church of Saint George, known locally as Bete Giyorgis, was built by King Gebre Mesqel Lalibela of the Zagwe dynasty and remains a site of huge cultural and religious significance[3]. St. George Gallery in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia exhibits 35 established and emerging artists whose work reflects a source of inspiration in the contemporary African art scene[4].
The Ethiopic Bible contains 84 books, including some writings that were rejected or lost by other Churches[1]. The British Collections of Ethiopian Manuscripts at Bodleian Library, Oxford consists of 33 manuscripts which were catalogued and published in 1848 by August Dillmann[2]. Ethiopian manuscript production and preservation traditionally occurs in monasteries and churches, with religious books reflecting the attending concerns of these institutions[3]. Antique handwritten Ethiopian Coptic Bibles from around 200 years ago can be found for sale online[4].
