Encounters: Ethiopia
Ethiopia is one of the oldest continuous civilisations on earth. It is the origin of coffee, a fact with consequences for daily life across the entire world, though few who drink it know anything of where it came from. It is home to extraordinary craft traditions — weaving, leatherwork, jewellery, pottery — that carry within them centuries of cultural memory. Its landscape ranges from the bone-dry Danakil Depression, one of the lowest and hottest places on earth, to the cool highlands of the north, where ancient rock-hewn churches have been carved into cliffsides and monasteries sit on islands in crater lakes.
This is a land of contrasts that exist not as contradictions but as companions. The sacred is woven into everyday life. Communities in the Omo Valley negotiate modernity on their own terms, while in Addis, centuries-old coffee rituals take place next door to modern cafés. Ethiopia is not one of these things. It is all of them, at once. Each of these contrasts is its own way in — an invitation, for those willing to accept it.
It is a difficult thing to fully encounter a country. But through the work of its artisans, I found a threshold — a way to hold, however briefly, something true about Ethiopia in my hands.
The first edition of Encounters: Ethiopia is a partnership between The Meridian Society and these artisans, whose work embodies not only the rich heritage of Ethiopia, but its modern-day aspirations.
Tibeb Leather Works
I first met Yonatan, founder of Tibeb Leather Works, in Ethiopia. I had been researching Tibeb and was looking forward to hopefully working with them. I had expected to have a few meetings with Yonatan regarding what I envisaged for this Encounters series, but, to my eternal gratitude, we not only discussed our shared project, but Yonatan took it upon himself to show me around Addis, an offer I took up many times. Thanks to his kindness, I experienced Addis Ababa far more than I would have on my own. He took me to beautiful cafés, Italian restaurants and local favourites.
Tibeb Leather Works is a small workshop in Addis Ababa dedicated to traditional Ethiopian leathercraft and providing opportunities to marginalised women. Every Meridian Society journal and folio is made by hand by its artisans using full-grain leather, combining generations of craftsmanship with thoughtful contemporary design. From our earliest conversations, Yonatan embraced the idea that beautiful objects should carry stories as well as function. Their work forms the foundation upon which every Meridian Society journal begins.
Sabahar
Sabahar is one of Addis Ababa's great treasures — an oasis of calm in the middle of a busy city. I was privileged to spend time with Kathy when I was in Addis Ababa. Over a coffee in some much-needed shade, I learned she had connections to Melbourne, Australia — the home of The Meridian Society — before she showed me around the workshop.
Sabahar produces handwoven textiles using Ethiopian cotton and silk while providing meaningful employment to local artisans. Every scarf is woven by hand, preserving techniques that have been practised for centuries while supporting contemporary Ethiopian craft. It is impossible to leave Sabahar without a deeper appreciation for Ethiopian craftsmanship and hospitality.
The Artisan Christian Tradition
For centuries, Ethiopian artisans have worked within one of the world's oldest Christian traditions. From the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela to the icon painters, metalworkers, woodcarvers and manuscript makers who continue these practices today, craftsmanship has long been understood as an act of devotion as much as production. Beauty is not merely decorative; it is a way of expressing faith, preserving memory and serving community. That understanding—that making something well is itself meaningful—has profoundly influenced The Meridian Society.
Maheder Haileselassie
Maheder Haileselassie is one of Ethiopia's leading contemporary photographers and an internationally recognised visual artist. Her work explores identity, community and social change while presenting Ethiopia through an honest and deeply human lens. In recent years her photography has received international recognition, including the Contemporary African Photography Prize and inclusion in the BBC's 100 Women list. Several of her photographs appear throughout this project, offering a perspective on Ethiopia created by someone who calls it home.
Michael Tsegaye
Michael Tsegaye is widely regarded as one of Ethiopia's most influential documentary photographers. For more than two decades his work has chronicled everyday life across Ethiopia with extraordinary patience and sensitivity. His photographs have been exhibited internationally and published by organisations including Reuters, UNESCO and Médecins Sans Frontières, yet they remain rooted in the ordinary dignity of Ethiopian life. His photograph appears on the cover of the notepad that accompanies each journal.
