ዐዲስ አምባ ዋሻ መድኃኔ ዐለም የአቡነ ሙሴ ገዳም ታሪክ፣ ኪነ ሕንፃና ጥንታዊ ሥዕላት ጥናት1

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to canvass the historical and architectural aspect of Addis Amba Mädhané Aläm, one of the long-forgotten rock cave churches of Mäqét. To accomplish this objective, field observation, interview, and document analysis were employed as important instruments of data collection. The collected data were described and explained qualitatively. The study showed that the church was established by Abunä Musé, also was known as Abunä Minas, probably the second bishop of Ethiopian Orthodox Church in the late 4th or early 5th centuries A.D. There are more than six caves excavated into a soft rock. The main cave church of Madhane Alam, among others, is unique particularly due to its monolithic nave situated at the center of the cave. The appearance of
the nave is uncommon in the rock cave church tradition of Ethiopia. The nave consists of the major architectural works of the cave, including cross-shaped windows, rectangular doorways, flat pillars, and a dome. The old enough canopy, a large processional umbrella permanently attached to the roof of the chanting place is the other feature that made the cave different. It is uncommon local handcraft not found elsewhere. It is crafted locally by intertwining the bark of a tree. It is also impressively painted and decorated. Regrettably, this old antiquity has seriously deteriorated. The cave also witnesses archaic mural paintings which are difficult to date. Apart from its architectural and historical values, the cave has its own spiritual significance. Therefore, its values should be recognized to increase the flow of believers and tourists. Continuous recording of its values should also be done.