The People

Tigray — Percent Christian: 96%, Percent Evangelical: .05%

The Tigray (Tigrigna) people are related to the Amhara and Tigre peoples of Ethiopia and Eritrea. Together they make up the Habeshans, who trace their origin back to Shem, the eldest son of Noah. These are the Ancient Egyptians of antiquity, who retreated back to Ethiopia and Eritrea after many invasions of Egypt. They established other great kingdoms including Sheba and Axum.

They practiced the Egyptian pagan religion until Makda, the Queen of Sheba was converted to Judaism by King Solomon. The Christian faith came to the Tigray through Coptic missionaries. A minority practice the Muslim faith.

The Painting

Oil on canvas, 24 x 18 inches

Tigray Bride portrays a Tigray bride wearing the traditional Habesha bridal jewelry. The painting is based on a reference photograph by Rod Waddington.