Contents

Acknowledgement ....................................................................................................................................... 3
Glossary ....................................................................................................................................................... 4
List of tables .................................................................................................................................................. 7
List figures .................................................................................................................................................... 8
Abstract........................................................................................................................................................ 9
1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 10
1.2Statement of the problem .................................................................................................................... 14
1.3. OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY ........................................................................................................ 15
1.3.1 GENERAL OBJECTIVE ................................................................................................................ 15
1.3.2. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE ................................................................................................................ 15
1.4. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY.................................................................................................. 15
1.5. SCOPE OF THE STUDY .................................................................................................................. 16
1.6. METHODOLOGY OF THE STUDY .............................................................................................. 16
1.7. Limitation of the Study ...................................................................................................................... 16
Chapter Two .......................................................................................................................................... 17
2.1 Review of Related Literature on Ethiopian Architecture ........................................................... 17
2.2 The Gonderian royal architecture ................................................................................................. 23
CHAPTER THREE .......................................................................................................................... 26
2. THE BETE NEGUS IN THE EYES OF THE EUROPEAN TRAVELERS (1831-1886) ...... 26
2.1THE DESCRIPTION OF SHOAN BETE NEGUSE TOWNS OF ANKOBAR,
ANGOLLALA AND ENTOTO BEFORE ADDIS ABABA, 1886. .............................................. 26
2.2 THE INDIVIDUAL DWELLINGS OF SHOA IN THE EYES OF TRAVELERS .............. 37
CHAPTER FOUR ............................................................................................................................. 39
3. WHAT REMAINS IN SHOA ...................................................................................................... 39
3.1Mitak Iymanuel Debere Tshehay monastery ............................................................................ 39
3.2THE ENTOTO PALACE ENCLOSURE .................................................................................. 45
3.3 The Entoto Historical Narration of Space In The Description of Menelik II Chronicle ...... 51
3.4 Koremashe armament store ........................................................................................................ 54
3.5 The Šäwan Bête Negus Vernacular Dwelling Design Character ............................................ 64
3.6 Mehawer ..................................................................................................................................... 68
3.7 Bete Mekurabe (Adarashe) ........................................................................................................ 71
3.8 Social scale ................................................................................................................................... 74

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 3.9 Functional integrity and Naturals Ventilation ......................................................................... 75
3.10 Function and Materiality.......................................................................................................... 76
3.11 Compound ................................................................................................................................. 78
CHAPTER FOUR ............................................................................................................................. 80
4.Change and Continuation in the Transformation of Šäwan Bête Negus.......................................... 80
4.1Perceptual Change and Continuation in Šäwan Bête Negus Form ......................................... 88
4.2 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................. 90
Bibliography ...................................................................................................................................... 92
List of informants .............................................................................................................................. 97

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 Acknowledgement
This thesis become a reality with the kind support and help of many individuals. I would like to
extend my sincere thanks to all of them.

I consider it an honor to work with my professor Dr. Deresse.A, who has the attitude and the
substance of a genius; he continually and convincingly conveyed a spirit of adventure in regard to
research. Without his guidance, this research would not have been possible.

I acknowledge with thanks to the known Architect Facil .G, Abel Assefa Architectural
conservator in ARCCH, relatives, friends and others who in one way or another shared their
support. For their valuable guidance, keep interest and encouragement at various stage of this
thesis.

My beloved family, I cannot find words to express my gratitude for your care and support.
Always your love transcends.

Above All, to the maker of all things, the great Almighty, the author of knowledge and wisdom
for his countless love and mercy.

I Thanks you.

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 Glossary
Abba - father, owner of, the horse-name of prominent figures, or a form of title for ordinary priests
Abéto - a medieval title, which came to be increasingly appropriated by Shäwan rulers after the
16thcentury
Abun - ‘bishop’, the highest ecclesiastical title of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church; Abuna, used as
a proper noun
Adarashe – elliptical hall reception
Afä negus – ‘mouth of the king‘, the supreme judge under the king
Afero- the corps of royal servants waiting on the visitors
Agafari - superintendent of banquets
Ala̎qas- chiefs or officials appointed by the king to represented specific groups at court, a church
or other ceremonial custody of the court, a learned priest, title often-bestowed on scholars versed
in churcheducation, (yämärét Aläqa- elder son or head of siblings in the share of rist land),
Aude Mihret- space which accessed regardless of their purification the whole congregation,
gathered.
Azazj – ‘commander‘, chief of the imperial court
Azmari- choristers
Bala̎ma̎wal, recruited from the sons of the nobility. They were among the king’s closest attendants,
and they were also appointed as balda̎ra̎ba.
Bäjeroned - royal treasurer
Balda̎ras- “Master of the Horse”, commanded the household cavalry and was in charge of the
royal stables, the harness, and the royal pastures.
Bere- wheat Plant straw fiber to outer covering
Bête Negus - circular house with conical roof shape Tukul
Bethlehem, small building in the eastern direction of the church to the lower elevation relation to
the Kedeste Kedusan.
Birr - the standard Ethiopian currency unit
Cikka -the mixed of mud and straw as a cementing material
Da̎bta̎ras - scribe or non-ordained student of theology.
Däjazmach- ‘commander of the gate‘, a politico military title below ras

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Dȁj-aggafari- the “chief door-keeper”. The introducer of visitors to the king besides the master of
ceremonies.
Daoula –unite of weight= one quintal
Das –tent
Debo- collective gathering of the community for work
Edmo - layered flat stone and the door made up of wooden frame, at the top like a roof structure,
which covered by Guassa grass.
Elfign – bedroom; the residence of the emperor
Embileta, melekat- wind instruments and string
Enjara - leavened thin pancake-like bread, the stable diet in much of highland Ethiopia
Etegé - title reserved for queens and queen mothers
Fitawurari – ‘commander of the vanguard‘, a title below däjazmach
Gemdja-bét- Store
Genebar – forehead used for scale
Gibbi - courtyard, generally used in connection with royal and princely place compounds
Gouada- Kitchens
Golenta- shelf like structure contracted
Grazmach – ‘commander of the left‘, a politico-military title above balambaras
Gulelat –put in the thatched rooftop made of clays
Gwassa or senebelet – grass type for roof cover

Harege-sprouting leaves of growing plant,

Hode – stomach
ka̎ta̎ma – town
Kechemo – type of tree (myrsina Africana) fruits of which is cure for tape-worm.

Kedeste Kedusan- holy holiest

Mäkwanent - nobility whose rank earned by service, (singular form Mäkonnen)
Medebe -setting place in side traditional house
Mekka – reed made of bamboo
Mehawer. Which is more or less elliptical but not a large oblong or having a somewhat elongated
form with approximately parallel sides

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Mechemechemiya- the final roof element robed in the interior surface
Mesaso- pillar
Negus- king
Negusa nägäst- ‘king of kings‘, the official title of Ethiopian emperors
Qägnazmach- ‘commander of the right‘, a politico- military title above grazmach
Qälad- ‘rope‘, a unit of land measurement, the system of land measurement, measured land
Qés- priest
Quwami- vertical post
Ras- ‘head‘, the highest traditional politico-military title under negus
Säfar- encampment, settlement, quarters
Sagga- wood fractures for wattle roof surface
Sette- soft soil
Seqela – house which roof is bungalow, log cabin or support
Tabiban,"wise people," or handicraftsmen
Tsahafe te’ezaz - head of the royal scribes,
Tej-traditional alcohol drink
Temelash- roof structure, which is reversible in both side
Zerenga - shelf like structure, which used for kitchen materials

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List of tables

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List figures

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 Abstract
Order is a highly fundamental concern in the court of Šäwa. State administration and
ceremonial modesty are the reality of the Šäwan court. Based on this conducive condition of the
social system and the royal administrative environment keeps its integrity. To govern the overall
life in the imperial administration needs an institution or personnel in charge of duty with authority
who provides the legal framework and enforcement. The creation, organization and function of
space in the imperial court influenced the tone throughout the entire extent in its administration.
The purpose of this study by focusing in the various part of Šäwan vernacular architecture, in the
context of its construction system and review of historical documents. Came up with a comparative
perspective in regarding to change and continuation of Šäwan Bête Negus.

Through simple qualitative research method in according to the objectives of the study. Various
primary and secondary sources consulted. All the necessary data through interview, recording, free
hand shacking, designs, and photographs crosschecked, analyzed and interpreted. From this
comparative study, we can understand the change and continue which saw in medieval and early
modern Ethiopian royal settlement pattern is a direct replica of the transformation in the
contemporary dwellings. At the medieval Ethiopian period, the courts were circular in form.
Eventually through development of geometrical shape at the end of 19th century the court of Šäwa
changed into oblong (enkulale) egg shape. As the courts transformed from circular to elliptical
forms, likewise the dwellings also from circular bête neguse to elliptical bête mekurab. This
implication demonstrate that the Šäwan royal architecture was geometrically elliptical.

Key Terms; vernacular architecture, State administration and ceremonial modesty, contemporary
dwellings, transformation and geometrically.

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 1. Introduction
The etymology of English word "space" comes from the French space and originally the
Latin word spatium. The original Latin term can refer to space either as "area or extension" or to
space as "time or duration". Thus across the centuries the very word "space” itself has intertwined
the temporal and spatial. 1

The relationship between architectural design and space starts with notion of geometrical forms
in its symbolic interpretation. The superior idea of designing any form follows by the community
thinking towards a certain things. Therefore, there is powerful relationship between geometry,
architecture and social order of society.

Space as a social product, in a border concept encompasses the aggregated elements of

community interaction. This is a good reason, to examine it carefully, to consider its implications.
Every society had its own space conception. It may not be easily understood the interaction of
people and things in space; nor can it be visualized solely on the basis crude interpretation.
Especially the ancient community tradition, belief, social order and associations had leaves the
legacies in document or other historic artifacts.

However, appraise of traditional housing, through means of comparative study in the vernacular
architecture would be helpful to figure out notion of space change and continuation. Because the
practices of building technique handed over for many generation. It used to be describe design
structures, which influenced by traditions of the given community and environment they live in.
Due to the broad range of climate and culture, Vernacular architecture varies widely in the world.
The famous Architect Frank Lloyd Wright Give a description of vernacular architecture as,
‘‘Folk building growing in response to actual needs, fitted into the environment by people
who knew no better than to fit them with native feeling’’.2
It comprises inherited oral information about how vernacular dwellings have work out to
respond the challenges of climate, building materials and cultural expectations in a given place.

1
Gerald B. Guest: ,2017,Special Issue Medieval Art History, Studies in Iconography, Vol. 33,
Board of Trustees of Western Michigan University through its Medieval Institute Publications,
p,1.
2
Project by the university of hong kong and Hong Kong Institute of Architects,’’ Liberal Studies
| Culture in Vernacular Architecture ’’, Hong Kong, 2012.p, 3.

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As a craft, it is concerned with the constriction of domestic structures, workshops, dwellings,
warehouses. In the Vernacular traditions , the builder is often from within the community, and may
even be the inhabitants himself or herself , and is therefore aware of not only climatic and
typological considerations, but also the value, rituals and beliefs that will shape the design of
dwelling. If the designer and the consumer both actively participated in the design of dwellings,
the community design shapes by traditions, rituals and norms through this application in the design
process a unity of purpose achieved.
If space refers time and area within built or an imaginary platform, the study of space in
Ethiopia had unique character, as a nation endowed thousands years historic legacies and home of
diverse society. From the royal court to the religious institution, from community interaction to
personal lively hood, there is a notion of space and social order. This notion helpful to understand
the then community formal space organization, the way in which interaction operated for the
process of coexisting as a society.

The researcher believed that, reading the buildings and undertaking comparative study in library
sources, is one way of mechanism to figure out the hidden perception of the community regarding
social order. For such type of study, hear from everyone that Ethiopian is very much rich and gifted
on such tradition of built environment. It is widely known to see impressive traditional houses
while travelling to the rural parts of the country.
While this study emphasis to investigate space in the royal architecture of Šäwa. In the history
of Ethiopia, Šäwan kingdom was the center of geopolitical setting. Colin Darch by his review
entitled “The rise of the Amhara state” in the book of R.H. Kofi Darkwah, Shewa, Menilek and
the Ethiopían Empire1913-1889. Describe the political history of Šäwa in to three narratives, which
deals with the dynamics socio-political system. This three periodization begins with the rise of dynasty
from Negussie Kristos 1703 until the death of Nǝguś Śahlä Śǝllase in 1847. In this period Šäwa3 rise from
small beginning of Angacha, Manz extended progressively in to a powerful, prosperous and well-

3
Šäwa, at the beginning of the 16th century included the Christian dominated areas of Märahbete,
Mänz, Gäš, Gärarya, Wagda, Sǝlalǝš in the North and central districts, and Fatgar in the south,
mixed population of Christian and Muslims in the eastern districts of Tägulät and Sarmat, and
"pagan" people of Gafat in the western districts of Gǝndäbärät Mugär and Ǝndägäbṭan.(Merid
Wolde Aregay, 1974, p. 39.)

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administered kingdom.4 Harris in 1442 estimated the kingdom territorial area was as 150 miles in length
and 90 miles in breadth. With the estimated population 2½ million, one million were Christians and the rest
consisted of pagans and Muslims. This period significantly considered as the golden rain of Šäwan
kingdom.5

Figure.1 Map of the study area. Source modified from Dechasa Abebe, Wars and Peasants in
North Šäwa, Ethiopia (1855–1916), Aethiopica 20 (2017)

4
Colin Darch , The rise of the Amhara state , the African review , vol,7.no ¾,1977, pp106-109
5
Major W. Cornwallis Harris , The Highlands of Ethiopia , vol III , London ,1844,p,28.
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The second narratives considered as period of decline from 1847 until Menilik's escape from captivity
at Maqdala); the reign of Menilik up until his becoming Emperor in 1889 is the third periodization.
This Kofi Darkwah periodization fails to take into account involving distinctions based on qualities
changes. In this process of Šäwan expands into neighboring Oromo territory and later in the south
generally.
Through this entire process Šäwan kingdom left over its space conception legacies in the flock
dwellings .Especially in Bete negus, Bete Mekurab and Mehawer typologies respectively. Bete
Neguse by its lingual interpretation derived from two Ethiopic words Bete and Negus, Bete literary
interpreted as house, and Neguse as king. Therefore, Bete Neguse is a house of the king. In addition,
by its structural formation, Bete Neguse formed by single post tekul, which is joined by one circular
member literary waleta all other tress and roof making elements drifted to this common center,
which is even the king in the medieval Ethiopia the center of all thing with in the kingdom.
The next doweling structure known as Mehawer, this typology geometrically form inside
rectangular where as in the outer part additional arch semicircular form added and this created
interior space called as Mekeda̎s the same conception of Ethiopian Orthodox church structure .
Most of the time it is commune in the hot areas.

The last typology; Bete mekurab or Addarashe literary hall or public space the most prominent
dwelling structure, which is the public gathering, were takes place. This structure geometrically
oblong and perfectly creates elliptical shape. As a community social orders and other related public
matters were performed in such manner even in open-air patterns.

This thesis will give space conception of the shoan kingdom. By analyzing oblong and circular
vernacular dwellings in Ankober, Mitake Tekelehayimanot monastery banquet hall, which is
constructed in the period of King Śahlä Śǝllase, Koremashe armament store, Entoto palace and
circular church buildings. Comparative study based on the narration and primary sources like
travelers accounts, chroniclers and administrative documents .Because the Šäwan kingdom in this
regards the most prominent kingdom, which had visited by many travelers. Therefore based up on
the account of travelers and chronicles, and comparative structural study this thesis tried to work
on the aspects of space in the royal court of Šäwan.

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 1.2Statement of the problem
The importance of studying social order by using space and its facilitating activities is inevitable
to understand the wholesome history of Šäwan kingdom. Hierarchical values attached in dwellings,
settlement patterns as well as religious belief. Which guide to determining the meaning and use of
space. The usage of space is one way of communication in all social systems .By placing in time
through geometry and dimensions of space. Likewise administrative ordering mechanism of the
Šäwan hierarchical society reveal in the order and position of space definition. Besides, the
conception of social order handed over through generation for the continuation of such historical
legacies. In the lively hood of the present time community which is highly attached with the Šäwan
kingdom.

Even vernacular structures in this dynamic world have an indispensable role in the study of
cultural continuity. Such a unique character encompasses structures and places in over time;
acquire character and special interest through their very nature quality, continued existence and
familiarity. However, it is not given due attention in the academic arena especially in the history
of Šäwan kingdom. As we part of this inheritance, we have an obligation to focus in these socio-
cultural values, which have contributed to the conceptualization and use of Spaces in the Šäwan
kingdom. By doing so, this thesis tried to offer a platform for better understanding of how space
produced, organized and functioned in the royal architecture of Šäwa. Yet, compressive study on
the Šäwan kingdom organization of space based up on geometrical analysis and written sources
has not been done so far.

Therefore, the study will fill the gap in the historiography of the Šäwan kingdom architectural
philosophy and social order. To this end the following research quotations are raised which will
be responded throughout the discussions of the study.

 How space was produced in the kingdom of Šäwa?

 How the space was organized in the kingdom of Šäwa?
 How the Šäwan kingdom do functioned space?
 How the hierarchical order described in palace or in a compound?
 What remains in Šäwan the palaces?
 Where the Bête Negus transmitted? In the Rural Ankobȁr. Why? How?

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  How the Šäwan do conceptualized and transmitted their oral geometry and aesthetics
character of their architecture?

1.3. OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

1.3.1 GENERAL OBJECTIVE

The general Objective of this study is to show the knowledge gap on the issue of reconstructing
the space conception of the Šäwan kingdom at the same time the geometry, role, organization and
function of the Šäwan royal architecture based on the comparative study of structure and written
documents to fill the gap.

1.3.2. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE

Specifically the study will attempt to:

- Investigate space production, organization and function in the Šäwan kingdom

- Identify the role and concept in hierarchy of Spaces in the court
- Assess the Šäwan conceptualize of geometry and aesthetics character of their
architecture
- Investigate the interaction of Social order and Šäwan flock architecture in the socio
political arena
1.4. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The outcome of this study will be important to fill the apparent gap in knowledge that exists
in the works of different scholars who work on the history of Šäwan kingdom. It also help the
coming historian who want to relay their study on the space and architecture of Šäwa as the
secondary source. This study will be also useful in opening ways for further investigation on the
notion of space and architectural history of Ethiopia. This is because the study will contain detail
information about the continuation of space and built environment in Ethiopia.

Moreover, comprehensive study on the space and architecture of the Šäwan kingdom not being
done so far based on the vernacular structures analysis and written sources. Therefore, this research
work will be a valuable aid for researcher and scholars to go beyond the works of the written
sources on the Šäwan architecture.

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 1.5. SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The focus of this study will be one of the prominent kingdom of Šäwa in Ethiopia, which
expanded their territory from the medieval up to the early modern history. Šäwa, at the beginning
of the 16th century included the Christian dominated areas of Märahbete, Mänz, Gäš, Gärarya,
Wagda, Sǝlalǝš in the North and central districts, and Fatgar in the south, mixed population of
Christian and Muslims in the eastern districts of Tägulät and Sarmat, and "pagan" people of Gafat
in the western districts of Gǝndäbärät Mugär and Ǝndägäbṭan. The researcher meanly forced to
gather his information from the area around Ankobȁr, Salayishe koremashe, Angola̎la, Baso
Nawerana, Mitk tekelehaymanot Monastry Banquet hall and Addis Abeba Entoto palace, for
structural symmetry and space organization investigate.

1.6. METHODOLOGY OF THE STUDY

For the preparation of the study, various primary and secondary sources will consulted. All
the available literatures will reviewed in the field study sufficient time, and effort will spent
together. All the necessary data through interview, recording, free hand shacking, designs, and
photographs will be crosschecked, analyzed and interpreted using simple qualitative method in
according to the objectives of the study.

From the existing literatures, it is possible to understand that the general context of space.
Nevertheless, it brought a gap in the specific elastration of space, which is noticeable idea for the
studies of Ethiopia architectural historiography in general, and of Šäwan kingdom in particular.
Thus, a comprehensive study conducted based on detailed analysis of built environment in study
area and historical documents analysis would help up to fulfil this apparent gaps. The researcher
to conduct this task use as a simple qualitative methods, drawings, freehand sketching, graphs,
tables, photographs, and interviews were to minimize the gape.

1.7. Limitation of the Study

Even if this study has very essential objectives, it has its own limitation in fulfilling its
objectives. The researcher will suspect in doing his work to face constraint related library materials
due to the unfamiliarity of such study in Ethiopia. In addition, most of the built environment, which
constructed in the period of Šäwan kings, demolished or in the state of deterioration, this may had
its own impact in the geometrical illustration.

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 Chapter Two

2.1 Review of Related Literature on Ethiopian Architecture

It is obvious built environments are associated to multiple factors of socio cultural essence.
In fact, the vernacular house is a highly complex phenomenon. While studying the origin of
traditional architecture, we need to consider the authenticity or the producing ideas, which were,
came in to being and kept through time, and the external factors, which were, influenced the
perception of the human. It helps the researcher to understanding the essence of the house.
Nevertheless, based on the anthropological architectural theory the primate world constructive
behavior has deep roots for 22 million years, there are five continuative evolutionary conventional
arguments on the genesis of architecture.6
First on the Subhuman (nest building behavior of the Great Apes), the second division is
Semantic (life-tree- fetish- maypole-complex), the third one Domestic (vernacular architecture),
On the fourth Sedentary (settlement core complex) and urban architecture (early city-states and
the monumentalisation of fibro constructive village cultures). 7
There is ongoing academic debate on the origin of Ethiopian Architecture and urban space; it
is true any civilization cannot be standalone without cultural and conceptual exchange. Regardless
of this argumentative concept on the Ethiopian built environment, the doubt of early settlers
introduce from south Arabian Style of architecture in Ethiopia or the native creative art work.
Specifically Ethiopian Architecture had its own legacies, which does not bear much relation with
the familiar style of the world Architecture. This does not mean that the Ethiopian architecture
standalone without the outside influence. Because of its long age change and continuation
characteristic of the Ethiopian style endowed quantity through the centuries.

In this, regards Genet Alem argued that, in her work of traditional use and meaning of urban
space in the case of highland towns of North Ethiopia, trussing to study the Ethiopian urban
philosophy without bearing in mind the socio-cultural value leads to incomplete conclusion.

Nold Egenter, “vernacular architecture - where do the symbolic meanings come from?”,2004,p,6.
6
7
Ibid,pp,8-10

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Because the Socio-cultural values had an indispensable role in the conceptualization, formation
and use of urban space tradition in Christian highland towns of Ethiopia.8

Likewise Genet relate her philosophical frame work with the famous space philosopher
Lefebvrel concept of space , he rigorously believed that urban space as fashioned shaped and
endowed by social interaction during a finite historical period. Therefore, the social process is the
creating factor of the urban space. Which is always belongs to that particular society who endorse
not only the physical infrastructure furthermore as a product the physiological meanings that the
urban space had in different forms and character. Subsequently through this framed work of
created urban space all the daily activities of society, which would be intentionally or
unintentionally guided. To figure out this complex intertwined web of interaction in the defined
space, precisely depends up on the way we understanding urban space. 9

On the other hand Naigzy Gebremedhin in his famous work of, some traditional types of
housing in Ethiopia, illustrated that Ethiopian architecture through the change and continuation
for several centuries’ accomplishment, give wide range of useful reference point for the analysis
and understanding the contemporary traditional housing type.10Even it is easily trace back some
past Ethiopian architecture practice to the contemporary vernacular housing details. 11 In this
regards we can trace the ancient kingdom Axumite truly impressing structural achievements to the
monolithic rock hewn churches of Roha lalibela, multi structures of Gondar castle, Harar Jagole,
etc

The structures not only have cultural value but also they are the masterpieces of human genius
creativity. We can pensive that one of the stelae which now lies broken in pieces can be the highest
of eight to ten story building. This monolithic block can be the highest monolithic block ever built
by any ancient man.12

8
Genet Alem , Traditional Use and Meaning of Urban Space , The case of highland Towns of North Ethiopia,
Hamburg , Germany , 2011, p,43.
9
Ibid,p,44.
10
, Paul Oliver ( editor ) , Shelter in Africa , Naigzy Gebremedhin , some traditional types of housing in Ethiopia ,
London , Barrie and Jenkins, 1971.p, 170
11
Ibid , p , 108
12
Ibid , 108

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 The Ethiopian builders reproduce the specific futures of Ancient Axume Architecture when
they began to hew out stone monuments like the stelae and to cut churches in the rock .Even when
those specific features of the built structure had no functional significance except as form of
decoration. The hewing out of stone monuments started in the fourth century A.D. during in the
time the Axsumite stelae were curved; in the meddle age, whole churches were hewn out of solid
rock. The cross sections of the stelae are similar to the forms of Aksumite plan .Debre Damo
church was constructed in either the 10th or the 11th century AD. It is a living specimen of
Aksumite built structure. 13

Baye Felleke, distinguished futures of Ethiopian Architecture on the structural integrity of

elements of Plan, Foundation, Columns and capitals, Wall structure ,Door and windows, Internal
Friezes ,Roof and ceilings ,Arches, Domes and Nave roofs.14

The Plans part of a wall are recesses and other parts are projected .Generally speaking, nearly
all early Aksumite buildings are Square in form. During the Christian era, one side was lengthened
and the form of the layout became an oblong.

Whereas the Foundation, typically Aksumite buildings rose from a pedestal or plinth above of
the ground .The side of the plinth or pedestal were not vertical; they rose in a number of shallow
steps. The Columns and capitals of the Early Aksumite buildings had monolithic stone columns;
they were square in section; their edges were usually chamfered .They had bases as well as capitals.
The capitals were of several different designs .Some were or less cubical; others were ‘stepped’.
Both kinds used to support the ends of horizontal roofing-beams in timber- built interior of
Aksumite buildings. The composite capital may have developed from such wooden brackets. On
the other hand, the walls built up with rubble and earth mortar. Horizontal timbers let into the inner
and outer surface of the wall at intervals reinforce the wall. Short, round timbers penetrate the wall
and they projected freely outside; some of these timbers go right through, projecting inside as well.
The ends of the short round timber that project from the external surface of the wall called ‘monkey
heads’. 15

13
Baye Felleke, lalibela a general survey of the rock churches, Alem printers, 2003, Addis Ababa ,Ethiopia,p.45.
14
Ibid ,p.739.
15
Ibid, 46,

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 Figure 1, Source Donald Crummy, monkey heads
Doors and windows, these are internal parts of the wall structure .The corners of each doors or
window, farms consists of short, squared timbers passing right through the wall and their ends
project freely both inside and outside. Nothing is more characteristic of the style than these squared
corner-blocks, which are nearly, always present even in the simplest and crudest of the rock-hewn
imitations of the early churches. Important entrances may have an extra ornamental beam, also
with square blocks at either end, above the doorframe and this ancient detail copied in the stone
stelae. The internal friezes these consist essentially or rows of joined-up blind panels or alternate
ones may admit light constructed exactly like single windows, with the usual corner blocks.one
different is that the vertical elements of the frames shared between adjacent panels. The Early
buildings Roofs and ceilings had flat ceilings. The ceilings divided into larger or smaller
rectangular panels. It is probable that important buildings had coffered ceilings combined with
friezes. 16

On the other hand, according to Baye Felleke most of the above elements were copied in the
monolithic stelae and later in the mid-fourth century, they were integrated in the Christian
churches. In the architecture of the church, one sees new influences. Plan are no longer square;
they are drawn out to form an oblong in order to accommodate naves, aisles, etc. of the basilica as
in the churches of the west .As a result , the Ethiopian style integrate additional architectural
elements. Like arches which replaced the horizontal beams that traversed the distances between
the capitals of pillars in a colonnade. Beautiful, geometrical designs curved on the arches. Some

16
Ibid .p.46.

20 | P a g e
of these designs copied in the rock-hewn churches. Ethiopians churches since there is nothing to
suggest that the buildings had domes in the pre-Christian times, it is assumed that this new way of
construction element domes were introduced after the adoption of Christianity along with the arch
and the basilica plan. The existing built churches have high timber roofs over the nave .The roof
rise above the ornamental friezes. These nave –roofs are truncated at a certain level so that a flat
ceiling and not a sharp ridge is formed. The framework of rafter is strengthened by massive tie
beams, which in the more ambitious examples, are connected to the rooftop by means of paired
upright.17

Based on their plane Maria Jose in her book Ethiopian hidden treasure categories the Ethiopian
church plans into two. The first one was the rectangular plan, which follows main forms of Single
aisle, Basilical with tripartite apse And Hypostyle. This layout was the most popular until 17 th
century. The second part was the round plan resembling the indigenous tucul house, which became
the preferred style from the 17th century onwards and its derivate form of octagonal churches fall
under in this category.18

The space into which Ethiopian churches are divides appears to be derived from the threefold
divisions of the Hebrew temple. In this, regards Maria Jose and Marilyn E. Heldman argued that,
irrespective of whether the church is rectangular or round. The first division qene mahlet, the
outside ambulatory part of an around church or narthex of a rectangular one. This is the place
where the dabtaras stand and the hymns are song; everyone can have access to it. The qene mahlet
corresponds to the ulam of Solomon’s temple. The other space defined qeddest place of miracles,
which is the chamber generally, reserved for priests but were the congregation comes to receive
communion. The qeddest is the equivalent of the hekal of Solomon’s temple. The third part
maqdas or sanctuary where the tabot rests and to which only senior priests admitted. Mass takes
place here. The maqdas corresponds to the debir of the Solomon’s temple. Carefully guarded and
its aura of mystery is greatly accentuated by subdued lighting.19

According to the Encyclopedia AEthiopica, the period 14th century radically come up with a
new and completely different plan but Maria Jose marks in the 17th century. On the other hand,

17
Ibid ,p.47-50
18
Maria -Jose Friedlander, Ethiopia Hidden Treasures, Shama Books, 2003,p . 21.
19
Ibid ,p,22

21 | P a g e
David Buxton did not give the periodization but simply illustrated that, even if such kind of church
structure has become more and more familiar in the last few hundred years. It cannot be of very
early origin. It was introduce and which subsequently replaced the basilica form. The essence of
this new plan is an enclosed square sanctuary located at the core of the church structure. The more
common form of the new plan is a circular church with walls of wattle and daub or stone and with
a conical thatched roof. Two concentric aisles encircle the central square sanctuary or maqdas, the
innermost part of the church. The inner aisle, the qaddest is the priest’s domain the outer aisle
where hymns are song, qanemahlet, is accessible to the laity. The four walls of central square
sanctuary aligned according to the four cardinal points of the compass, and doors in the west, north
and south walls give the officiating priest entrance to the sanctuary. The primary entrance to the
church is placed at the west least axis of the plan.20

In the circular churches Maria Jose came up with a brief description, the stone built circular
church with a conical thatched roof. The church is set on a horizontal surface, usually slightly
raised, sometimes to a height of three or four steps. It Appear like the tucul, the traditional
vernacular house.

The round churches structure unlike the basilica designed on the perspective of hierarchical
order of the liturgical service. In the center there is a square maqdas or sanctuary, both of which
extend up to the roof which they help support. Rafters extend laterally form the top of the sanctuary
to the outer wall of the church and are often decorated with colorful design. These rafters usually
carry a crown of trusses on which the roof rests. The tabot kept with the maqdes, which can have
up to three doors and several blind windows. Often the wall of the maqdes are decorated with
paintings as are the doors .curtains are drawn around the four walls so perpetuating the
sanctuary’s aura of sacred mystery.21

Surrounding the maqdes is a circular enclosing wall, which defines the qeddest in the form of
an inner ambulatory. Pierced doors and windows with wooden shutters, occasionally the windows
filled with an intricate fretwork screen. The circular enclosing wall is itself surrounding by
columns supporting the roof. Rafters intended the columns extends a low wall, which creates an
outer ambulatory. The qune mahlet protected from the wind by overhanging roof. The roof topped

20
Siegbert Uhlig ,Encyclopedia AEthiopica,volume1, p,737.
21
Maria Jose, Ethiopian Hidden Treasure, P. 27.

22 | P a g e
by an umbrella that finials emanate ending in ‘ostrich eggs’. The number of eggs can be five,
seven, or twelve; there are three, somewhat obscure. The description of Maria Jose in these
Ethiopian stories associated with the significance of these eggs. The First symbolizing was, when
female ostrich is incubating her eggs becomes hungry. The male replace her on the nest and hence
the eggs never left unattended, when Jesus Christ left this world, he did not leave his church
unattended. At the time of Pentecost Holy Spirit descended to the disciple next even if the female
ostrich never takes her eyes off her eggs. The second when we attend church we must look up at
the cross, and not takes our eyes off it, remembering the sacrifices that Jesus made on our behalf
and finally in the same way that the baby ostrich breaks through and sheds its egg. Through the
sacrament of baptism, we shed our original sin.22

2.2 The Gonderian royal architecture

Donald crummy, in his article, Towns in Christian Ethiopia in the eighteenth and nineteenth
centuries, alleged with Ethiopian historians viewpoint regarding the absence of true cities in
historic Ethiopia, however the concentration of population, which did exist, could not neglected.
In this context, Richard Pankhurst has drawn attention to such towns. While Akalou formulate
framework for understanding urbanization in historic Ethiopian. Urbanization was directly
associated with the royal camps of reigning monarchs. To govern the overall life in the imperial
administration needs an institution or personnel in charge of duty with authority who provides the
legal framework and enforcement. The creation, organization and function of space in the imperial
court influenced the tone throughout the entire extent in its administration.23

While most of scholars believed, that Gondar was an exotic, atypical center and well established
urban character. It served as the national political capital from the begging 1630s over two
centuries. In nineteenth century, it was the leading commercial center of the country, hence from
the eighteenth to twentieth centuries, the city known leading center for church learning.24

22
Ibid, p.28-29.
23
Donald Crummey , Some precursors of Addis Abeba; Towns In Christian Ethiopia In The
Eighteenth And Ninteenth Centuries , Proceedings of the International Symposium on the
Centenary Of Addis Abeba ,Nov 1986 ,pp, 9-11
24
Ibid ,pp,12-16

23 | P a g e
 LaVerle Berry by his article, “The Significance of Gondar-Style Architecture” came up with
a brief discussion on the origin and significance of Gondar-Style Architecture. Commerce and
trade route to be the determining factor for the shift of royal residence, insufficient resources in
Shewa forced Sertse Dingil (1563-97) turned his attention to the Lake Tana region. To collect
tribute from two unmanageable governors in 1571, he marched to Tana, this creates opportunity
to saw first-hand the wealth of the area. From this moment on, he planned to move his court to
Tana's northeast shore and planted himself beside the western trade route. His capital remained in
this area for the duration of his reign. In the mid-1570s, he erected the first Gondar-style buildings
at a place called Guba'e, also known today as Guzara, in the district of Imfraz.25The collective
comprised of a castle, a church, and other subordinate structures, the whole surrounded by a
substantial stonewall. The castle survives as a splendid ruin, and it unveils the defining features of
Gondar-style architecture. It clearly served as the prototypical for later constructions in Gondar.26

Even though the origins of Gondar-style architecture, the construction of multi structure
fashioned by stone and mortar complexity still unknown. On the other hand, it cannot be a
coincidence. That the Guzara castle lay on the main trade route between Tana and the Red Sea
along which merchants, soldiers, travelers, and others may conveyed such concepts in the court.
However, since, as already noted, the question of architectural origins needs to examine.27From
the most prominent features of Gondar style architecture LaVerle Berry summarized the basic
manifestations, first based on the basic materials used in construction, were brown basalt and lime
mortar, producing the mottled appearance. Second based up on plan, Castles have a rectangular
ground plan, domed angle towers that have a pronounced batter, roof terraces with battlements,
square observation towers, decorated doors and window full arch, monumental external staircases,
and string courses between stories. Third based on functionality Churches are one-story structures
and may be circular or rectangular; the architecture affected only the exterior and did not alter the
three-fold division of ritual space. Both castles and churches are surrounded by high walls, often
with domed towers and monumental gateways.28

LaVerle Berry , “The Significance of Gondar-Style Architecture ”, Northeast African Studies,

25

New Series, Michigan State University Press, Vol. 2, No. 3 (1995), pp. 7-8
26
Ibid, P,9
27
Ibid,P,10
28
Ibid, P,8

24 | P a g e
 The Gondar style thus contented a dual function. They functioned as declarations of individual
royal accomplishment and as a means of glorifying the monarchy. The existing built environment
presentations, which seen in and around Gondar today. Gondarian successive monarchs built
castles and churches in the Gondar style. This visual impression symbolizes all Gondar-style
castles and their surrounding walls, which project an image of might and majesty, even if the
military aspects of the architecture are purely decorative and not functional. Gondar-style
architecture was also adapted to ecclesiastical purposes with a high degree of success. Its more
severe, awe-inspiring features softened, however, producing structures of great beauty, charm, and
dignity that, nonetheless, reminded the worshipper of royal patronage.29

29
Ibid ,pp, 12-14.

25 | P a g e
 CHAPTER THREE

2. THE BETE NEGUS IN THE EYES OF THE EUROPEAN TRAVELERS (1831-1886)

2.1THE DESCRIPTION OF SHOAN BETE NEGUSE TOWNS OF ANKOBAR,
ANGOLLALA AND ENTOTO BEFORE ADDIS ABABA, 1886.

The notion of space hierarchy reveled in the vernacular dwellings, even if such study is not
familiar in Ethiopian. It is difficult to suggest how the elliptical dwellings evolved, but has some
historical facts, which foster these elliptical dwellings designs were practiced for a long period of
time. The foreign travelers account describes the essence of this kind of structures.
Svein Ege in his collective work of travelers in a case study of the kingdom of Šäwan, states
that; the Šäwan court was uniquely characterized semi-mobile capital, unlike the medieval
Ethiopian courts that was completely mobile nor the Gonda̎rian permanent capital. Neither fixed
at one capital, nor moving around the kingdom to feed on each region in turn.30
From the noticeable town and administrative center, Ankoba̎r was the one in large scale,
Angolala and Da̎bra̎ Berhan followed continuatively. Even if there service limited other royal
residences were also establish in Ma̎hal wa̎nz, Qundi, Har Amba, Sa̎la̎lhulla, Za̎lla̎ Dinga̎i ,Aleyu
31
Amba , etc
All the courts of Šäwan developed around the residence of ruling king similarly situated in the
central part of the kingdom. Donald crummy and Svein Ege argued in a unique situation that
marked Šäwan were the classical Ka̎ta̎ma pattern applicable.32 To some extent, this pattern relieved
the act of sustaining court order, each palace illustration much of its supplies from palace land in
its immediate vicinity. Equally, the projecting was distribution of different functions among the
provinces.33

30
Svein Ege , Class , state , and power in Africa , A case study of the kingdom of Shawa
(Ethiopia) about 1840,Wiesbaden; Harrassowitz , Germany ,1996, p,98
31
Ibid,p, 98
32
Donald crummy , some rocursors of Addis Ababa; Town in Christian Ethiopia in the
Eighteenth and Nineteenth centuries, proceeding of the international Symposium On The
Centenary of Addis Ababa , November 24-25 , 1986n, Addis Ababa , p 20. And Svein Ege ,
Class, state, and power in Africa ,99
33
Ibid ,p,99
26 | P a g e
 Simultaneously Donald crummy worked on the Accounts of travelers in the courts of the
Šäwa. In the 1830 and the 1840s, Ankoba̎r was the largest town capital of the Šäwa. Almost
certainly, from the entire Christian highlands it was the largest town, but comparatively a more
ephemeral place than Gonda̎r or Adwa. Krapf, W.C.Harris and Isenberg provided many details in
life of Ankoba̎r. Isenberg estimated the population of town about 12,000, Rochet d’Hericourt in
1839 the inhabitants were 9000-10,000. In addition, W.C.Harris in 1841 to have a total population
of 12,000-15,000.Another prominent town of the kingdom, Angola̎la population estimated in the
range of 2000-3000, which were, resides in 400-500 huts by Harris but Rochet estimated as 3000-
4000 inhabitants.34 Krapf even if he did not showed the numerical value of population in the town
of Da̎bra Berhan but reported that the town contained few hundred huts with thousands of
inhabitants. Were as Rochet estimated 2000-3000 people. The English traveler Johston reported
that Aleyu Amba, the market town possessed some 300 dwellings in a population in the range of
1,500- 2,000.35
Ankoba̎r Angola̎la Da̎br̎a Berhan Aleyu Amba Sources

Total 5,000 (1835) Combes and Tamisier(1838) vol 3,p.25

population 8-10,000 BSP no. 1453, kirk, par.19.
10-15,000 Graham (1869).p.8
12-15,000 Harris (1844) vol.2 .p.8
3-4,000 Rochet (1841b) p.147.
2-3000 Charles Johnston (1844), p.306.
1500-2000 Isenberg and Krapf (1843), p, 274.
1000
Total number 2000 Kirk (1843),p.6
of huts 400-500 Harris(1844) .vol,2,pp.88-91
300 Isenberg and krapf (1843) p, 274.
100 Rochet(1848),p.122
Table, 1. Palace towns, source from Svein Ege, Class, State and power in Africa, p, 100

34
Donald crummy , some rocursors of Addis Ababa; Town in Christian Ethiopia in the
Eighteenth and Nineteenth centuries, proceeding of the international Symposium On The
Centenary of Addis Ababa , November 24-25 , 1986n, Addis Ababa , p 20
35
Ibid, 20
27 | P a g e
 Berhan Amba Berhan AngolalaAnkobarAnkobarAnkobarAnkobar The Population of shoan town

Ankobar 2000 12-15000,

2000

12-15000
8

Ankobar 2000 10-15000,

2000

10-15000
7
2000

8-10000 Ankobar 2000 8-10000, 6

100 400-500 2000

5000 Ankobar 2000 5000, 5

Angolala 400-500 3000-

3000-4000
4000, 4
Dabra Aleyu Dabra

Dabra Berhan 100 2000-

2000-3000
3000, 3

Aleyu Amba 300 1500-

300

1500-2000
2000, 1
100

1000 Dabra Berhan 100 1000, 2

rank in the number of population and huts

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Chart, 1, the distribution of Šäwan town’s population and number of huts in the eyes of travelers
Charles Johnston describes the elliptical structure in Ankober while he traveled in Šäwa. The
British residencies were a large oblong or rather oval building, for one continuous circuit of a
wattled wall offered no angles to determine sides. This covered by an ample straw roof, with far-
projected eaves, and having two bright red earthenware pots at the extremities top of the roof, as a
finish to the whole36
Nathaniel Pearce on his traveler account of in the 19th century, in accordance with the news
regarding the death of the king, Wossen Segued of Shoa: one of the slaves assassinated the king.
He had gone into one of the apartments to sleep with his wife, which, like the common dwelling
type of all Abyssinia, was a small, round, thatched house, built behind his own house or hall; the
doorway type being in general low, the thatch very thick, and easily can be burned even the
smallest spark. The slave set fire to the thatch: while the king and queen asleep. This description

36
Charles Johnston, Travels in Southern Abyssinia, through the country of Adal to The Kingdom
of Shoa, M.R.C.S. p, 75.
28 | P a g e
shows us that there is a very nature similarity in the roof and other part of the building with in this
contemporary society.37

Figure 2, source Facil.G the 20th century Ankobȁr

On the other hand Isenbeeg and Krapf visiting Ankobȁr in the mid-19th century, they describe
the town houses were constructed chiefly of wood, with thatched roofs, generally surrounded by a
garden, and disposed around the cone in a spiral form. The upper part of the town hedged in with
long poles connected by of wood, which become warped or split. As by hillsides, and on the top
38
is the King's house, built of stone and mortar, with a thatched roof. The elliptical Adarashe
typology dwelling construction system of building a house in stone mortar with a thatched roof
commonly practiced in this time.
The British envoy of the 1840s captain W.C.Harris estimated the Ankobȁr dwellers, twelve to
thirteen thousand inhabitants.39
According to Harris description, the court encompasses by grouped closed together thatched
houses of all sizes and shapes. Look like barns and haystacks, with small green enclosures fenced
by splinter palings, rising one above the other in very irregular divisions. Adapt themselves to all
the inequalities of the rough and uneven surface ; some being perched high on the abrupt verge of
a cliff, and others so involved in the bosom of a deep narrow opening as scarcely to reveal the red

37
NATHANIEL PEARCE, The life and adventures of Nathaniel Pearce, written by himself.
During a residence in Abyssinia, from the year 1810 to l819.Together with Mr. coffin's account
of his visit to Gondar,vol1, London, 1831,pp131-132.
38
Isenbeeg and Krapf, Journals of the Rev. Messrs. Isenbeeg and Krapf, Missionaries of the
church missionary society, in the years 18-39, 1840, 1841, and 1842. London, PP 56-57.
39
Richard Pankhurst and Leila Ingrams, Ethiopian Engraved, illustration by foreign Travellers
from 1681 to 1900, London: Kegan Paul International, 1988.p, 48.
29 | P a g e
earthen pot which crowns the apex. Connected with each other by narrow path and a row of shrubs
or trees that form the boundary of area, this residence of from twelve to fifteen thousand inhabitants
with poor habitations cover the entire mountainside to the extreme pinnacle a lofty spire-like cone,
detaching itself by a narrow area of land. Hereon stands the palace of the king, a most lacked skill
looking edifice with staring gable ends, well-fortified by spiral lines of wooden high fence made
of pointed stakes. Between which are profusely scattered the abodes of household slaves, with
breweries, kitchens, cellars, storehouse’s magazines, and granaries.40

The royal house was Oblong in form, windowless, chimneyless, and provided at either end
with a lofty but narrow door. Rudely fashioned of massive flat piece of wood and beams, which is
the semblance of Šäwan architecture. A decent new thatch, and a neat basketwork ceiling, did
indeed form a roof to the structure, but further, the crude and unfinished shell whereon they rested,
could hardly claim the denomination of a house. A large building with a magnified scale and the
open hide lashed ribs, being innocent throughout of dab or plaster to choke the small space of gaps,
wind, rain, and mountain fog considered them to be equally His Majesty's guests, and entitled to
the occupation of the uninviting interior.41

The courtyards organized through partition of wall divided via two narrow verandahs, for the
purpose receiving mules, horses, and household to move ponderously. The floors were without
any articulation as nature made it, depressed rather than raised. Weak drainage system muddy
water filled the trench which decaying the entire structure.42

The entire slope of the palace was full of thatched roof small huts with uneven pattern.
Nevertheless, each quarter the tasks divided, in one quarter are to be seen groups of busy females,
who were in charge of manufacture beer and hydromel. On the other quarter of the next roof,
hundred servants were in tack care teff and wheat for preparing of enjera, and from the dark hidden
place of the building arises the plaintive ditty of those who grind the corn by the sweat of their
brow. Here a large pot of red pepper soup yield up their potent steam ; and in the adjacent
compartment, long twisted strips of old cotton rag are being dipped in bees' wax. Throughout the

40
W. CORNWALLIS HARRIS,(1844),The highlands of Ethiopia , LONDON:LONGMAN, BROWN,
GREEN, AND LONGMANS, Vol II,p,8
41
Ibid ,.1o.
42
Ibid,.11.

30 | P a g e
female establishment, the bloated and cross-grained eunuch presides; and his unsparing rod
admonishes his giggling charges that they are not there to gaze at the passing stranger.

Blacksmiths were casted, banging away at the anvil under the lower border of the banqueting
hall. Turbaned priests, seated in the porch with a parti-colored cow's tail, indolently drive away
the flies from volumes, which are elevated on a rack before their ancient eyes, and detail the
miracles of the saints. The slaughterhouse, carpenters are destroying bad wood in a clumsy attempt
to fashion a gunstock with a farrier's rasp, for the reception of an old honey, Governors and nobles,
with shields and silver swords, seated above. Lower social statues community, poor farmers,
itinerant monks, and applicants for justice, were being associated in the lower courts. Idlers,
gossips, and immoveable beggars, who, stocked the open Arada before the great gate from the
rising up to the going down of the sun; maintain one incessant howl of importunity. 43

The description of Harris on the inauguration of Śahlä Śǝllase in Ankober court, the celebration
of royal victory and Easter banquet had very use full for notion of space in the Šäwa kingdom. The
minister styled Dech Agafari, the introducer through the door, proceeds to the inauguration of the
successor, who, unless some other arrangements shall have been willed, is usually the their
apparent, presented to the senators and to the group of occupying palace residence,

“The herald proclaims aloud, “we have reason to mourn, and also to rejoice, for our old
father is dead, but we have found a new one.”

The accession thus declared, the king is invested with the robes of the state, and taking seat upon
the throne, the public officers first in order, and then the people, offer homage, and bow before his
footstool.44

On the celebration of Easter and royal victory, the king Śahlä Śǝllase was dressed the very
decorative of garments, appeared much strength and as a glorious majesty. In this occasion, there
were a tradition everybody who was participated offer in the face of thorn. Next bands of warriors
entered the carpeted courtyard with aloud cry of sound the war-chorus; and after the lapse of a few
seconds, the generals and the trained soldiers marched in front of the king by dressing ornamented

43
Ibid,.pp,57-60.
44
W. CORNWALLIS HARRIS,(1844),The highlands of Ethiopia , LONDON:LONGMAN, BROWN,
GREEN, AND LONGMANS, Vol III,p,13 .

31 | P a g e
garments and military discipline. Next was entered the court the clergy’s and priesthoods.
Preceded by the great-embroidered umbrellas of the church dedicated to St. George, they filed
slowly into the space vacated by the warriors, the Holy Ark being support. Having formed a
semicircle before the throne, the priests, although much exhausted by their long abstinence,
continued, during half an hour, to dance and chant the words.45

Based upon the description of Harris in the banquet of King Śahlä Śǝllase, the arrangement of
space was highly related with the social order and the status of the community. At three o’clock
the king proceeds to dine alone; and no sooner is the royal appetite was pleased, than the door are
thrown open, and the long table in the great banquet –hall is crowded with distinguished warriors
and guests.46 The royal band of singers, which occupied the vacant space between the tables, is
composed many wind instruments and string embileta, melekat performed.47 Throughout all over
their performance during the entire entertainment the singers lift up their voice in praise of the
majesty. 48

Due to security and fear of difficulties, the space definition in his privet rooms very different
from other part of the courts. Dreading the fate of his father, the monarch never stirs from his
threshold without a pistol concealed under his girdle along with his favorite amulet, in which he
reposes implicit faith and reliance. His couch nightly surrounded by tried and trusty warriors,
endeared to his person by munificence displayed to no other class of his subjects, whilst the gates
of the palace barred after the going down of the sun, and stoutly guarded.49

The principal officers of the royal household, and those most confided in by the suspicious
monarch, are the eunuchs. Ayto Baimoot, their late chief, specially charged with the royal harem,
in all its branches, as well as with the establishment of slaves. Long faithfully attached to his
indulgent master, he was, whilst he lived, the king's only intimate counsellor, and never separated
from his person.50

45
Ibid,.275.
46
Ibid ,.22.
47
Ibid,.284.
48
Ibid ,.22.

49
Ibid,.23 .
50
Ibid, 23.

32 | P a g e
 Next in order is the herald, or Dech Agafari, who, in addition to the important duties already
detailed, is the channel through whom all new appointments by the crown and all royal edict and
proclamations published to the nation.51 Armed with a rod of green rushes, he ushers into the
presence-chamber all officials, strangers, and visitors, introducing at the appointed time those who
have complaints or representations to lay at the footstool of the throne. He is the Alaka of all who
have any boon to crave, and is in charge of the host of pages and younger sons of the nobility who
attend upon the king is in general master of the ceremonies on occasions of state or pageant, and
introduces guests who may be invited to the banquet.52

The keys of the royal library are in the custody of the chief of the Church, the Alaka Wolda
Georgis, a nonprofessional and a soldier, who was elevated to the exalted post he occupies in direct
violation of the established usage of the country. The office of chief smith and Alaka of all the
tabiban,"wise people," or handicraftsmen, throughout the realm and of Body Physician, are
concentrated in the person of Ayto Habti. Who must freely partake of all drugs that administered
to the king, and, with the Commander-in-Chief of the Bodyguard, the Master of the Horse, and the
dwarf Father Confessor, be in constant attendance upon His Majesty.53

According Kraph description of the villages around Angola̎la town divided in to five zones,
the western direction village was called Tsherkos, Tophit to the north, Daletsha to the north-east,
Koni biet, where formerly Oromos have been, who were converted by the present King of Shoa
and Mutingensa.54

The court settlement pattern by itself demonstrates the space philosophy and organization
of social status. In the enclosure the order of planning consist three yards, the higher reserved
exclusively for the King and his immediate attendants, and five hundred huts situated. This upper
court surrounded and filled with lion. The second court fenced by a thick wall, fortified at the top
with stout palisades about eight feet high. On the way of passing through steep path, the inner court

51
Ibid ,23
52
Ibid, 24.
53
Ibid, 24.
54
ARROWSMITH. (1843), Journals of the Reverend Messrs. Isenberg and Krapf (Detailing
Their Proceedings in the Kingdom of Shoa, and Journeys in Other Parts of Abyssinia in the
Years 1839 to 1842). London: .p, 75.

33 | P a g e
found, wherein situated the house of the king Sahile Sellase, which was typically different by tis
design pattern and construction technique from the others by built of two stories, the ground floor
used as stables. The first –floor, which is the King’s residence, the access was on outside wooden
stairs which is build up. 55

The account describes the Gothic hall, which designed by Capitain Graham; the Majesty
impressed the way in which it was. The soldiers work as diligently and the building progressed
even if some parts of this hall would be on the way of construction, the posts window frames and
the cross sectional length at this gothic hall completed with other building fabrics. Unfortunately
the majesty would not had the capacity to hold on up to the completion rather, decided to build up
the frail wall of his circular dwelling a few layer of loose stone. Later on the Gothic hall terminated.
Latter on the inferior style of novel architecture introduce by Gyptzis , but this structure unlike the
former Šäwan style of novel architecture, it was tasteful richness of design or ornamentation,
stability and comfort .56

The palace of the king without saving ornaments, decorated by adding a special details and
features. The Throne decorated by wall hanging curtain, which is a heavy cloth that has designed
pictures woven in it heavily decorated and deep purplish red color with massive silver ornaments.
However, the way of arrangement is not good because the wall plastered by mud. This palace
furnished with their couches, ottomans, carpets, chairs, tables, and curtains, had assumed an aspect
heretofore unknown royal in Abyssinia. Finally touch, suspended in the center hall a series of large
colored by the art of cutting in to the surface of wood or stone, which showing how the Šäwan
domesticated Elephants riding for war and chase of tiger in all its many forms. It all about how all
the life of the king had encompasses with brave act. Through all the way of its design pattern the
palace demonstrates, it is the place of the king Śahlä Śǝllase not anyone else.57

Richard Pankurst elaborates the account of Charles Johnston in Court of Shoa at Angola̎la, the
palace enclosure fenced by an irregular stockade of splintered ted (a juniper pine), it was around

55
John Camdan Hotten,(1868) Piccadilly, Abyssina and its people, or life in the Land of Prester
John, Lodndon, .pp,57-58.

56
Ibid,W. CORNWALLIS HARRIS ,Vol III ,pp 344- 348
57
Ibid,W,p349- 350

34 | P a g e
4.6 meter high from the ground to the edge of long raised strip, and the enclosed area, in its longest
direction, exceeds 274.2meter. This subdivided into courts. The first of which is entered from the
town by a low gateway that difficult to march by the mule. Although it is a privilege and honor of
the executive authorities of the courtiers to ride so far before they dismount. When they visit the
King Śahlä Śǝllase .Through this first court passing, for about 18 meter, between two rows of noisy
beggars, male and female, old, middle-aged, and young; who, leprous, scrofulous, and maimed,
exhibited the most disgusting sores, and implored charity for the sake of Christ and the Virgin
Mary.58

The second court, something more larger extent than the first one, found a crowd of people
listening to an orator, who, with shoulders and body bear to his middle. This court was addressing
three or four turbaned monks who sat in an open alcove, beneath the long projecting eaves of a
thatched roof. The place served as a court of justice who followed close from whose decision, if
the parties did not feel satisfied, they appealed to the King. The third enclosure, a small enclosure
and from the circumstances of several prisoners it was cached the attention. In the next court was
collected a great heap of stones, upon which a number of people were sitting among the noblemen
of the country. There were many others of nearly equal rank, who were waiting to see the King;
so choosing the sunniest spot unoccupied. When the king was arrived immediately summoned
afterwards into the presence of the king.59

The majesty lives in the next court, which was nearly circular, and surrounded by a low
stonewall instead of the high, ragged palisades, that three times before fence his retreat about.
Several long low houses stood around, serving as stores and offices, and conspicuous among them
was the little round cottage, about 6.6 meter in diameter, that was then being erected by Capt.
Graham. One of the thatched houses raised to a second story, open in front, each side of which
ornamented with trellises-work of very weak carpentry. In this elevated small recess opening off
a larger room up on a couch, covered with red velvet. In addition, reposing upon large cushions of
yellow colored satin lay the king of Šäwa, Śahlä Śǝllase, whilst many-colored Persian carpets
covered the floor, and hung over outside into the court.60While in the discussion of Seven Ega, the

58
Richard Pankurst, Travellers in Ethiopia, London oxford university press, 1965, pp, 89-90.
59
Ibid,.pp, 91-92.

60
Ibid,.p,92 .
35 | P a g e
population of Angola̎la̎ simply alienated into two, those who living within the palace enclosure
and those in the town. Based up on the account of Harris ratio between these categories estimated
at about 1:3, the town population comprised of chiefs staying and living with outside the palace.
Second Persons directly or indirectly attached to the court or its chiefs and moving with these and
the permanent residents. 61

In the court political system, all officials structured based up on their hierarchal order, which
significantly help us to understand how space created, organized and functioned in the royal court
of the Šäwa. For the sack of convenience it is better to categorized the officials in to three divisions
.1) with respect to the court order and the palace administration 2) their function to the king
personal protocols and his family hood, 3) Related to the military activities and the court security
system.

Chart, 2. Hierarchical order of the Šäwan royal court

61
Ibid ,pp,92-94

36 | P a g e
 2.2 THE INDIVIDUAL DWELLINGS OF SHOA IN THE EYES OF TRAVELERS
It is difficult to figure out the imitation of their designs form and construction materials were
the Šäwan obtained; on the constructing such dwellings and it is certain that they have made little
progress whether in execution or design. The house constructed were as in the earliest days and
stagnant a mere framework of stakes sparingly bedaubed with a rude coating of mud.62

While in their journey from Angola̎la to Ankobȁr Isenberg , rests in the farmer house in the
village called Metatit , which found on the mountain of Chacka , about five miles from Ankobȁr ,
in this little description , this old man house described in which men and animals living together ,
and in a smoke which nearly suffocated.63

The dwellings thatched round houses, with their own enclosure.64 The clustered villages of
these farmhouses were few in number and far between each other, neither were they so high nor
so comfortable-looking, which crowned every little hill. The walls were generally in circle design
form constructed by unhewn stones and its roof supporting the usual conical thatched roof .The
ventilation of smoke treated in white wreaths from beneath the eaves, or issued in a volume from
the entrance. 65

The windows are like a line of small holes for tearing at a particular place of the wall, furnished
with poor shutters, but provided with any transparent substance. As energy source the wood fire
fog cover the interior ventilation environment. Which thus fills the solitary apartment throughout,
the most habitually dirty house environment, which lacking the interior as liveliness.66 Within the
compound near to the house, there had been some considerable looking stacks of grain standing,
which indicated the wealth of owner.67

The absence of sewers system the farmhouse enclosure and the clustered village, makes the
population of the town and villages to live in the unwholesome atmosphere of decaying matter and

62
Harris, vol,III ,p, 164.
63
Isenberg, p, 80.
64
Ibid, 56.
65
Jonston,c ,vol,II, p,64.

66
Harris, vol, III,p, 165.
67
Jonston,c ,vol,II, p,64.

37 | P a g e
stagnant water. Poisoning the atmosphere with its baneful breaths, periodically swept away by the
small trim garden, or neat pastoral entranceway, even in the lone farm-steadings, which are
scattered throughout the country. All the poultry, and the mules, and the farm-stock, and the
inhabitants themselves reside under the same roof.68

68
Hariis , vil, III, p, 166

38 | P a g e
 CHAPTER FOUR

3. WHAT REMAINS IN SHOA

3.1Mitak Iymanuel Debere Tshehay monastery
Mitak Iymanuel Debere Tshehay monastery banquet house is one of the living example
structures. According to the leaders of monastery, indicate that the foundation of monastery goes
bake to the reign of King Ameha Iyesus .Aba Hezikeyel from Amhara Sayint was the founder of
this monastery hence the Šäwan king Śahlä Śǝllase built it as the present form.
This structure completely unique in any measure and literary such design shape known as
Mehawer. Which is more or less elliptical but not a large oblong or having a somewhat elongated
form with approximately parallel sides. The house wall built from wattle wood being joined unlike
the traditional housed it is from animal skin which is estimated 400 oxen by the informants who
was the elders of the monastery 69, with a dimension 5m height interior, the exterior 3 m height
with thickness of 35 cm .

Construction material
The roofs also vary considerably make by traditional straw and the truss and rafter joined as well
from skin of oxen.

Ceiling structure

69
Interview, Abba Gerema , the Governor of monastery , Dec 2016 .

39 | P a g e
 All entrance doors and openings made up of wood frames. The two mean doors each of them
with two openings dimension 45*330cm and 70*330 as mirror copy in the opposite direction,
which have made from solid wood juniperus procera type and solid wood laminated by skin on the
lower and upper corner up to 40 cm height .

Laminated solid Doors ,interans and

openings by skin on the lower and upper
corner up to 40 cm height

To be functional and easy to use the handcrafts made connector in proper manner from iron,
which tied up the doorframe with door.

Iron jointing element

This house of banquet had a south north orientation simply its mean entrance faced towards to
the south and the rare elevation to the north. All the same, in the east and west direction there is a
small opening served as window with a dimension 60*60 cm mirror copy.

40 | P a g e
 Detailed floor plan of the Mitake Iymanuel monastery Banquet

41 | P a g e
 As it is banquet for united monastery the house had partition of five class , first the mean dining
room , Wete bet ,Tella bet, Tege bet, Dellehe or Berebere and Shiro bet and have two corridor one
from wet bet to Tege bet and the other from Dellehe bet to Tella bet . The roof supported with one
main pillar 9.50 m height and another two main pillars, which carry the horizontal wooden beam
like member and the middle of the member there is a vertical element that support the whole roof
structure. Four additional vertical pillars with the height of 3 m which used for structural integrity
and keeping the shape of its ellipses.

Front elevation and detailed section and Front appearance photo.

42 | P a g e
 ,
Longitudinal section, western or Eastern side elevation and photo western direction

43 | P a g e
Some additional craft works seen in the site, which gives another additional viewpoint .in
regarding craft workmanship and construction material usage.

Dining table like plate

This plate which is made for the purpose of serving food in host church community especially
monks in gathering banquet days .Its dimensional proportion is 80cm*4.90m.Meanly added
together with leather as joining purpose and to create the flat form use the artesian bamboo
material. Have some an ecstatic feature has seen in the patterns of leather jointing.

Wooden carved for the purpose of the dough in making bread

gullelat (clay material which put up on the top of the roof )

44 | P a g e
 3.2THE ENTOTO PALACE ENCLOSURE

Unlike other Šäwan capitals, Entoto is the only royal residence, which existed in well-preserved
manner. Many historical documents discussed that, the foundation of this royal residence was goes
back to the ancient royal linage of sohan kings. However, the attempt achieved in the reign of
Menelik.
In this regards Recharged Pankhurst believed that, while Menelik was the king of shoa had
burning ambition of rebuilding the great Ethiopian kingdom. This determination leads king to
found a capital on one of the sites, which occupied by his ancestors in the days before Gragn
invasion and the subsequent advance of the Oromo.70
Before a half-century earlier Menelik discovery, the ambition of rebuilding the capital situated
with King Śahlä Śǝllase the grandfather of Menelik. The account of many travelers foster the king
was visited reputedly Filwoha (Addis Abeba) in 1843.71 In this regards we can tack in to
consideration the account of krapf and Harris. In spite of the fact that Guebre Sellassie in his
chronicle associated this situation with tradition. The foundation of this royal enclosure was
prophesized by Saint Raguel and declared that Lebna Dengel's successor, Menelik, must build a
city at Entoto and churches there in honour of St Mary, St Raguel and St Urael. 72Since it recorded,
no one could not know the exact spot of old site.73
We can understand from the continuum of experience king Menelik to restored the old towns
in Šäwan, how the king was eager to find a permanent settlement .A few years later, in 1881, came
up with the discovery of an old town ruins some fifteen kilometers to the north-east, at a place
called Sululta. Which would be prominent potential opportunity for the desire of the king .the ruins
of an old city supposed to have been built by the Emperor Dawit (1381-1410).74
Guebre Sellassie says, Menelik at once was visited the place, which covered with brushwood
and was particular environment for wild animals. After inspecting the king order to build the town.
By quoting that, ‘God has caused us to find the remains of the Emperor Dawit's city of Entoto.
Since this discovery has been made in our time it is incumbent on us to resurrect this city.' Since

70
Richared punkrest , Menelik and the Foundation of Addis Ababa, The Journal of African
History, Vol. 2, No.1, Cambridge University Press ,1961, p,104
71
ibid , p,104
72
Ibid,p,105
73
Ibid ,p,105
74
Ibid,p,105

45 | P a g e
that specific moment. The king order to establish his camp in the area and the actual reconstruction
of Entoto commenced. 75
On the other hand, unlike traditional narration the foreign travelers account came up with
contradictory argument on selection of town. The Italian explorer, Gustavo Bianchi and Dr Lincoln
de Castro believed that the recurrent attack of Oromo on the camp of king Menelik near Wuchacha
was the determining factor to shift the camp in to Entoto. While Maurice de Coppet, French
minister to Ethiopia, further connected with the geographical setting of Entoto, being the watershed
of the Blue Nile and Awash basins had quick and easy access to most parts of central Ethiopia.76

Figure , sources from Facil.g entoto1880 and the enaguration of st, mary church.
Similar to other medieval Ethiopian town settlement tradition, Entoto was essentially a military
town and established on almost exactly the same pattern as the traditional Ethiopian army camp.77
Immediately around the sovereign's residence assembled the smaller formations of his principal
generals or men of state.78
The English traveler, Herbert Vivian, estimated the population of town to have been at least
50,000.Even if the town population largest share of residences were the royal army, this newly
founded town also comprises multicultural community. The Gondarian architects and artisans
were in charge of constructing the newly palace enclosure and churches.79 New construction

75
Stehafe Tezaze Gebre Sellase,( 1967)The chronicle of Menelik II Ethiopian king of king,
Berehane Ena selam Emperor Hileselase I Printing press , pp, 100-101.
76
Richared punkrest , Menelik and the Foundation of Addis Ababa,p,107.
77
Peter P.Garrenston, A History of Addis Ababa from its foundation in 1886to 1910, Otto
Harrassowitz, Wiesbaden 2000, Germany. P, 5.
78
Richard punkrest, Menelik and the Foundation of Addis Ababa, p, 106.
79
Ibid, 106.
46 | P a g e
technique together with the traditional system applied; there were geometrical articulations and
perfection of workmanship especially in the banquet hall and the churches.
I addition Rechard punkrust, exclusively indicated that the new mode of transportation, which
was constructed by direct supervision of a German missionary, John Mayer. Make it unique from
the traditional Šäwan capital. The methods of transportation: five or six ox-carts, which used for
transportation of timber, and a number of wheelbarrows for carrying stones to build the palace and
churches.80

Figure 3 , Entoto palace Hall

80
Ibid,105

47 | P a g e
Figure 4 , source from Facil .G developed 3D model and freehand sketching of banquet hall

Figure 5, ceiling structure of the palace

The ceiling of the palace firmly attached on the strut by using strip of leather that gives an extra
ordinary decoration like the banquet of Mitak Iymanuel Debere Tshehay monastery. On the interior
center of the roof, the ceiling created an oval shape, where the entire struts came together. This
palace has eight doors and eight windows, six doors for external and the rest two are the interior,
all of them made with long and refine wood. The entire floor covered with refined and smoothed
junipers wood. 81 This creative representation of Elliptical palace contains a number of rooms for

81
Zelalem Getnet Ambaw, “Potentials and challenges of Entoto Saint Mary Church to heritage tourism
development”, Journal of Hospitality and Management Tourism,Vol. 6(5) July, 2015, pp, 51-55.

48 | P a g e
different purpose. The banquet hall, podium for the king and the queen, storeroom, princess
entrance and seat and Dejazmatch entrance and seat. The palace of Emperor Menelik II is an oval
shaped and the exterior roof supported with 12 big and well-designed wooden pillars. With
thatched roof and, eight clays (gulelat ) are placed on top of the roof in a symmetrical manner ,
which indicates the wealth , Glory and the indwelling spirit of God . The roof made from juniper
and olive wood by typically traditional workmanship, while the wall built from black stone and
plastered with mud and lime.

A. The king and queen set place

B. The princess gate
C. Dejazemach and other higher
officials gate
D. The higher officers gate
E. The private dining place of the king
F. Mad-bet (kitchen)
G. The store room
H. Traditional beer store especially tij
I. King sit in the time of judgment and
other royal decrees to the common
peoples
J. The entrance from residence of the
king and queen
K. The public gathering

Figure 6, space orientation in the palace ceremony

49 | P a g e
 Figure 7, Plan of Entoto , Elfign , living and bed room for the king and princess

50 | P a g e
3.3 The Entoto Historical Narration of Space In The Description of Menelik II
Chronicle
The description of Stehafe Tezaze Guebre Sellase regarding on the ceremony of banquet
for the inauguration of the newly building of saint merry church in Entoto , is an important aspect
for the study concern the way this chronicler describes the built environment and the shoan social
order context . In the midst of the King's granaries, there was a seqela house, which was 27.5
meter in width, and 35 meter in length. It cleaned, and at the same time, the preparations made for
the hydrants, which were to contain the tej traditional alcohol drink. There were some inside and
some laughing. Every day, from forty to fifty women came to prepare the tej; five or six hundred
others brought water, beginning their work early in the morning, and continuing until evening. The
house of Princess Taytu also made a great deal of fermentation of tej.82

Towards the middle of July, the banquet hall opened for the gust, which situated at the door
of the house of princess Taytu. The walls subtracted and placed therein to receive each thirty to
forty-daoula garner. In addition to the mad-bet (kitchen), Netch-bet, in the vicinity and on sides
were placed large vats of which the planed wood fixed by ankles and covered with canvas; each
could contain from fifteen to twenty daoula. The mead had begun in the middle June to September.
However, as soon as tej had reached the point, the people of the mid-bet poured it into other jars
to prepare new mead in the empty jars. 83In mean time only the kitchen remind function less due
to the princess prepare peppercorn in dry season. 84

On the other hand the chronicler discuss about of the tents (das) in the entrance of banquet. It
was so vast that a horse could gallop in it. The space, which extended from the larger balcony to
the banquet hall, attached. In addition, the Tent (das) stretched to the staircase leading of the Elfign
(Bedroom) of Wuezero Taytu and the front side at the same time extended to the near paint house.
In the house adjoining this oratory, twelve pipes, six on each side, placed, in order to allow the tej,
and, over these pipes, made, with planks well planted Covered with wax-cloth and nailed to each
other, a large reservoir containing the sea of mead.85

82
Stehafe Tezaze Gebre Sellase,( 1967)The chronicle of Menelik II Ethiopian king of king, P,127.
83
Ibid,.Pp,127-128.
84
Ibid,.P,128.
85
Ibid,.P,129.

51 | P a g e
 Twenty-four very long tables, resting on small stakes, were then prepared, and a twenty-fifth
table was brought to place it before the king, which was that of his banquet hall. Each of these
tables was 7.5 meter long. The whole das covered with cotton woven. On the throne side, the joists
and the posts covered with purple, gold, and magnificently dyed fabric of long curtains. In front
of the king, a curtain of red mess and a green and white silk stretched out. On the platform of the
throne, an engineer made a set of king. To the right and left, fifteen of the species suspended, of
the species of pedes, large as ostrich eggs, which were some green, others blue, others yellow,
lightened brilliant as flames. 86

In front of the throne placed a glass chandelier carrying fifteen candles. On the right and on
the left, there are still suspenders, each with fifteen candles. The bed, which was nearest to the
third five torches brought by Abba Jifar, placed, skillfully and roughly. The tenet one-third covered
with carpets of varying colors. To illuminate the tenet, three hundred twenty-three chandeliers on
each side placed from the entrance door to the exit. 87

The guests began to enter the town in September. The leaders, the soldiers, the clerics, the
beggars, the boletuses on their sticks, the blind men with their guides, all came. In a pleasant royal
banquet, the festival was taking ahead. 88

Stehafe Tezaze Gebre Sellase describe space organization in the coronation of Menelik as the
king of Ethiopia, the chronicler on the ceremony of coronation state that , as it was like the banquet
ceremony of church Merry inauguration but the size of the tenet much larger in 7.5 meter .The
kitchen worked as it is . The tent from its interior and exterior covered in a beautiful manner with
white garment. The frontier space of throne covered with gold ornamented carpet and its top
folding with grass. The seat of throne in its four-door corner was. Cover with silk light blue and
garments interlaced with gold-thread piece of curtain. In the interior part of the tenet, there is
covered curtain that seems like white lightening and help to see from inside out. It suspended
between the top of seat and bottom of the top of the building, in the right and left side there is 10
by10 glorious coral and rock crystal.89

86
Ibid,.P,129.
87
Ibid,.P,130.
88
Ibid,.P,130.
89
Ibid,.P,157.

52 | P a g e
 On the back of the thorn, there is ladder, which leads to the surpassed terrace, which is used
passage for the chiefs and royal family painted with red, yellow and green color. In the longitudinal
section of the tent, there is 82 lamps at the same time 16 glass lamps assembled in the right and
left side of the thorn, however two glass lamps were set in the front of the throne, which depicted
the figure of the emperor. With all other plunder decoration and space arrangement, the town
became extraordinarily great.90In such manner and a great well-prepared meal the coronation under
taken.

90
Ibid,.P,157.

53 | P a g e
 3.4 Koremashe armament store

Koremashe armament store one of a leading example of oblong elliptical Šäwan structures.
Which is found in 9̊13́34.31̋ north 39̊18́00.77̏, 2668 meter above sea level. In the Hageremariyame
wereda 88 km to the north east direction from Addis Abeba and Debere Berehan south east
68km.This armament store enclosure cover a total of 15595m area.

Figure 8, the topographic siting of salayishe choremashe armament store.

After the victory of Adwa in 1889, drive the Emperor for the construction of this enclosure.
A large number of armaments taken from Italian army and the French government has promised
to grant some rifles. Because of this, the Emperor consulted his higher officials and searched all
over the nation a secured strategic compound. The governor of Bulga Ras Darege consulted such
strategic place were found in their administrative region.

54 | P a g e
 According to the elders, the current enclosure is not the first place, which intended to build
the store, but in the southwestern direction 3km far from the current store, there was place known
as Debere ziyet a Flat surface. 91Even though the oral narration states that the actual construction
begin in 9 stores but there is no remnant of building fabrics that foster the existence of building in
the place. To find a vivid evidence regarding the first construction site it needs to conduct an
archaeological excavation.

Figure 9, the place of Debere Zite

Months later, the Emperor visited the compound that marked the change of site from Debre ziyet
to Salayishe. the elders narrates that the name Salayishe related with coincidence of emperor visit
.when king Mnellik see all around the compound notice that , the geographical siting created a
perfect composition for constructing military armament store. Because the field surrounded with
very steep cliff and had, only single entrance can anybody accesses in to the compound.
The king amazed in such kind of nature favored strategic place and Sayed that, “how can I am
not see this place until now” and named it Salayishe. Literary defined, as I could not see it until
now .Emperor ordered to construct an armament store under a direct order and supervision of
Emperor Menelik II himself and the Bulga governor Ras Darege.92
Even if the perceptual structure were traditional but the construction material and the artisans
was from abroad. Flat metal sheet, nail imported from French and transported via Djibouti to the
site by 500 camels however, the pillars, purlin, truss and wooden frames were supplied from the

91
Mis Aberashe Lema , Mr Demeke Demissew , Mr Getaneh T/ Maryam,Mr Jemaneh yemeru,
interviewed elders in koremashe .
92
Ibid ,

55 | P a g e
near mugerey forest. This construction ahead for six mothers and the number of built stores were
93
14 at the time. According to the informants all the supplies of equipment especially stone and
preparation of mud mortar begins before the actual construction undertaken but overall
94
construction takes six month from October 1898-march 1898.
This built environment reviles the armament store were a mega project of the then time.
Because it needs the mobilization of higher officials, farmers and other delegated personnel from
all over 14 administrative regions in one or another aspect of building the enclosure. The original
compound encompasses 14 houses with three watchtowers and extensive stonewall fences.
The compound have only one entrance due to its topographic positon it is difficult to find
another alternative entry or exit. There is no prominent indication or remnant of gate, which help
us to understand the authentic entrance structure, but there is deteriorated two-gate column
leftover, which believed to be construct by Italians.

Figure 10, the entry of compound constructed by Italians

This gate column dimension is 0.30*1.75*0.45 m, constructed by stone mud mortar and plastered
by cement mortar.

The enclosure fenced by a large extensive two layered stonewall. From the interior part of
enclosure the face have another second-rate additional wall, which built dimensionally reduced

93
ibid
94
ibid

56 | P a g e
than that of the exterior part of the fence. Frequently the interior wall dimension 0.60*0.45m but
the exterior mean fence varies in the range of 1.5-120 *1m.

Figure 11, the stone built fence

Simultaneously the enclosure have three watching towers. The first watch tower found in the
edges front corner part of fence to the north western direction, which is comparatively well
preserved, another in the edges of fence corner north eastern direction and the last one found in
southern direction of fence. All the watching towers geometrically circular and with respect to the
fence size, it had larger stonewall. The informants state that there were more than 400 resident
soldiers in this complex to guard and secure the compound.

Figure 12, Watchtowers

All the houses are similar in shape like oblong elliptical form literary egg house and dimensional
pattern is 16x8 m. the house construction technique and building material was a combination of

57 | P a g e
European construction material with the native conception of geometry particularly the use of
stone by the mixed of mud and straw literary known as cikka as a cementing material.

Figure 13, floor plan, roof and ceiling arrangement plane

58 | P a g e
 The wall was constructed from stone mud mortar and have thickness of 60 cm with the height
of 5 m on average.

Figure 14, the longitudinal and detailed dimension section

Figure 15, Door and window

59 | P a g e
 The doors and windows made of wooden frame typically imported wood, which is soft and
raft texture all the doors were the same interims of shape, way of construction and materials. Even
though the stores doors still authentic door but there were also a replacement of the door and
window in to metal sheet.
The roof system literary known as temelash, to understand the basics of this roof construction,
it is better to classified in to tow. The first had a distinctive additional segmented wooden frame
over hugged from the wall of the building to the edged of metal sheet. Another basic structural
part of the building needs to be discussed the exceptional part of this roof system, the hidden spot
which is create a space in between the edged of flat metal sheet and the end of arranged wooden
slab for the purpose of hiding rifles if something danger happen .

Figure 16, the interior part of hidden structure

To firm this oblong design it must be support with more than one vertical post but it depends up
on the width and length of the house, which is mostly common in the Šäwan elliptical dwellings.
However, the change and continuity is inevitable in such kind of building. As known throughout
its long aged history and the service of this building which gives for many interested groups. It not
only anticipated functional change but also structural alteration could be happen. We can

60 | P a g e
understand from structural observation and the geometrical pattern of this store load transferring
mechanism.
The authentic building believed to have timber column to support the overall load of the roof
system. But on the basis of available evidence a unique structural change is materialize on the
mean wooden post column to stone the mixed of mud and cikka mortar wall with dimension of
0.60*2*5m to firmed ceiling heaviness and overhead upper surface. The change in the interior
part the building the artisans built mean pillars wall in dimension of 0.60 *2*5 m.

Figure 17, supporting posts system

Now the compound only incorporates seven houses of the authentic building, and other 3
reconstructed in the period of Durg regime with some interior alteration, which was made aimed
it to be delivering government tasks.
Even though there is no difference in design, pattern and dimensional measurement between
this newly constructed building and that of the old one. However, in some indication especially
the interior part of this newly building completely changed, furthermore additional skills being
replaced like the wall plaster in cement and painted. As the same time the floor finished by raff
cement screed and the ceiling changed in to support eucalypts purlin and truss coved by woven
dressed.

Figure 18, newly reconstructed

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 We can understand that this concept of change is meanly focusing on the newly function that
the building intended to be given. However, this may be a good first step or unideal solution for
the preservation of geometrical forms but in other hand, it would be changing in the functional
integrity of the building history.
Because of miss proper preservation and heritage administration given to the building.
Moreover, its aging leads to the state of deterioration. According to the zonal culture and tourism
department, in 2004 collaboration of ARCCH and University of Addis Abeba tried to conduct
conservation work by 60,000 Ethiopian birr.

Figure 19, after the conservation work undertaken

Figure 20, before conservation

Finally, we can find the remints of building here and there, this remints foster that it was
stores but due to unknown causes leads to distraction

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 Figure 21, remnants of complete destructed store

This compound served as armament store for rifles imported from France, during the time of Italian
occupation served as for Italian armament store office from 1928-36 E.c. After the deft of fascist
Italian, the compound served as office for the governor of Bulga in 1954E.c. In the time of Durge
used as room for gathering of public, in this contemporary government until September 23/2004
E.c served as police station and judicial office. Right now, the enclosure opens for tourism market.

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 3.5 The Šäwan Bête Negus Vernacular Dwelling Design Character
The community of this study area built their dwelling with the association of their tradition
and culture. All typologies follow the same phase in due process of construction. However the
method of construction and the use of building materials different with respective of their
typologies. The builder can be anybody who has the knowledge and capacity on such built
environment, it may be from 18-60 years old, and almost all in the due process of construction it
needs physical strength that leads men’s are meanly the responsible one.95

The workes done by a group of peoples, gathered in the traditional culture litterary known as
debo a system of collecting peoples for work. But it doesn’t mean that there is gender
discrimination regarding such aspects, because the females also their part in the construction
process especially assisting and preparing food for the workers and also after finishing females are
responsibility in the interior design and decoration , like plaster the interior wall surface , labeling
the floor and made shelf like structure .96

Tools are very much important in due process of constructing this vernacular dwelling.
Hammer, trowel, fork, and other hand tools collected before the actual construction begins.
According to the informants, this process will last long from 15 days to six months of duration the
period depends on the house scale. when the house is more oblong the material which needs to
construct also highly increased this takes a long period of time on the other hand when the house
is small the materials and the duration of time in the gathering proses will very small even
sometimes days97
For the sake of convenience, we can classified the building progression in to five stages, but
other detailed description with their geometrical form and function, discussed independently in
each typology.

First stage is mobilize all the necessary construction materials like wood mainly Juniperus
procera or Eucalyptus for the mean structural support (pillar , purlin ,truss , jointing of the pillar
and upper roof member literary walleta), sagga for wattle roof surface , solid door and in the hot
areas wood used for the wall contraction. For the wall construction (cikka ) mixed of mud and

95
Interview , Mr, Anbereber , Nov 2017
96
Ibid
97
Ibid

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straw as a cementing material ( soil, straw and water ) , for roof structure gwassa or senebelet
type of grass, rope made up of the guassa grass ,Mekka , Mechemechemiya , Harege , and raff
stone , etc. After all the necessary of construction materials supplied the actual house, construction
instigates.98

Figure 22; the process of finding construction material

The second procedure with respect to the harmony and geometrical forms of each typology,
the act of survey is proceed. If the dwelling is a circle (Bête Negus); according to its required
dimension, the artesian first set up wooden (chikal) a stake to mark a center point and within this
stake strap on robe, the length of robe determines the dimension of anticipated area. That arctician
round about the robe to form circle. This process of surveying drawn at the building site. Wooden
poles placed in interval of 1 meter along the circumference to form the wall frame. The poles
should be long enough that at least 3.5 or 4 meter above the ground. Next, the center pole is set.
Which support the whole roof structure, in some typology of Mehawer Dwelling such kind of
central post is not found, after artisans were acknowledged the roof structure were firmed its
structural integrity they departure the central post from the house . 99

Third process related to the wall system. After the mean wall, supporting posts set in its desired
place. Between the interval of poles filled with other segmented upright a long thin implement
resembling a length of wood sticks set close together and stuck in the ground, gussa or Harege
rope is used to tie supports and stick up to the side of the wall. Thin piecemeal wood used for ease

98
Ibid
99
Ibid

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in bending. However most of the time in the cold areas and Adarashe elliptical dwelling the wall
system is completely solid stone chikka mortar.100

Fourth procedure is roof supports system of dwelling; from the central post top edged solid
circular wooden upper roof member literary walleta attached; all other wooden roof supporters
drifted from this central point Walleta in to 0.60cm extend from the top of the wall .this helps shed
rain away from the wall. Then again, a long thin horizontal segmented resembling a length of wood
sticks set close together and tide with rope implemented. Inside of mean drifted wooden roof
support, additional roof structure instigated Mechemchemiya (is a roof element shield like circular
or elliptical form, which is formed by kechemo plant and widened up harege) which helped the
interior roof system at the same time creates beauty inside the house. To create perfect surface
sometimes mekka and sagga (tin split up wood used for filling fragmented space in between mean
wooden roof system) is used. Here it is time to put on the roofing material. sumbalit, or Gussa a
straw type grass thatched. This work done from the top down, working carefully to insure a proper
roof. A pottery jar added over the top of the center pole as both a decoration and to help shed water
from the center of the roof. In Adarashe elliptical typology a small opening chimney like structure
formed through which smoke can evacuated.101

Fifth, the process of forming interior partition and other finishing work. This done according
to the function, which intended to give. Most of the time it can partitioned in to five, three or not
at all partitioned. Accustomed as living quarters, kitchen, bed, storage and place for animals. The
next part plaster the wall with the prepared straw and mud cikka. The preparation this cementing
material cikka in the hot areas and wooden wall frames, first select a proper soil type which is
literary sette (feminine) soft soil property and at list for 2 months mixed with straw and water for
more than 4 times disrupts until its gain its proposed cementing property. However, such process
of preparing cikka not worked for the stone mortar walls mostly for elliptical typology. Hence in
the construction stonewall the cikka is prepared in hand to hand while the wall construction
undertaking. After the plastering is finished the interior floor surface labeled and other interior
structures like medebe setting place, geoleta and shelf like structure contracted. Finally, the wall

100
Ibid
101
Ibid

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decorated by mud and animal dump mixture to form smooth surface up on it some decoration and
inferior art works done.102

Figure 23; Bête Negus dwelling typology drawing and free hand sketching

102
Ibid

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 3.6 Mehawer

The etymology word mehawer is came from the Geez which literary mean “semi-Arched”.103
In this typology the shape of building geometrically semi-circular or belonged with the technique
of either adding form in the square or subtracting arch from the perfect circular. Even if such
dwelling by its design pattern formed an oblong like geometrical form, hence it is not represent an
elliptical doweling. In the transformation of Šäwan architecture geometrical shape, it is the
transition from the circular to the perfect elliptical form.

From physical survey, we can conclude that the banquet hall of Śahlä Śǝllase in Mitake Takella
Haymanot is one of the living example of such typology historic building. In this contemporary
time mehawer dwelling found around the rural part of the study area especially in Ankobȁr.
According to the interviewer mr, Tekeleberehan Habeteweled lives in Ayeraraa kebele, the design
form performed by creating in inside perfect square form and encircle it by another semi-arched,
which is mostly used for the partition of building, this building is built in the 1966 e.c, the builder
themselves lived in this room still now. This old man is the known by their skill in the building of
such flock architecture. 104According to him the method, construction material and skills form, the
production of such building is more or less the same as in the bête Negus dwelling. However, what
makes mehawer unique is its shape. With a little subtracted area, wall of buildings made of wooden
material, its height is about 2.5-3 meter thickness is measured from 20-25cm when plastered.

Figure 24; shape as seen in rear side and front part

103
Interview with Likekahinat kale Hiwot ,Ankobȁr ,
104
Interview with , mr, Tekeleberehan Habeteweled, Ankobȁr , Ayerara kebele ,
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 Figure 25; Design pattern and roof structure of Mehawer Dwelling

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They use mud as a mortar and mixture of mud and ash for plastering of the internal part of the
building (External part of most buildings in this site is not plastered)

Figure 26; finished wall as seen from external and interior plastered wall

Roof
There are two main posts, which carry the horizontal wooden beam like member, and at the
middle of the member, there is a vertical element, which supports the whole roof structure.

Figure 27; roof structure

At the two sides of the above posts, there is two pair of additional supporting elements, which
create an arch and help to keep the circular shape of the roof structure.

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 3.7 Bete Mekurabe (Adarashe)

To survey the perfect oblong elliptical shape first they create rectangular shape with in its
relation of scale and equally separate the width by robe then round the robe from edge to edge in
mirror copy to the opposite direction ,this create a perfect elliptical pattern. Most of the time the
longitudinal part of house dimension classified in bête 12, bête 14 and bête 16 (6, 7and 8 meters
respectively) .This kind of house can be built from two or one pillar according to its length or
wider. The roof elongated with one beam that fixed on the pillar/s of the house. Mainly, the main
gate follows the church position of the west.

Figure 28; Adarashe, floor and roof plane

Even if most of these buildings are elliptical in shape some of them consists another small
additional shapes

Figure 29; elliptical dwelling of Ankobȁr

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 The wall is made of stone masonry about 30-40cm thickness it has about 2.5-3m height. At the
top of the wall they use small fragmented stones to have the same slope in all-inclusive.

Figure 30; External and partial views of internal wall

. The dimension between the two mean pillars is depends up on the longitudinal distance of
house. Roof supported with two main vertical posts and one horizontal member to create a shape
of roof stricture.

Figure 31; roof structure

The main roof structure is made of wooden material and they use bere. Most of the time
thickness of bere would be 15-20cm, which is wheat Plant straw fiber to outer covering and mostly
Guassa grass used finished top corner of the roof for the purpose of keeping water linkage, in this
top corner structurally the connected part of horizontal member and pillar.

Figure 32; Gulelat , the upper top decoration of roof

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 In addition, the community use gullelat poetry, which indicate the wealth and prestige of the
owner. In addition, according to tradition of the community, their ancestors note the ostrich eggs
on their roof; in the same way that these eggs said to watch always by the ostrich until they hatch,
their presence on a roof is supposed to symbolize the constant protection of the Holy Spirit.

Figure 33; debo collective gathering of the community, freehand sketching of elliptical house
The wall finshing and lebleing the floor, most of the trime such workes done by the female
memebrs of the community.The wall system is not plastered from the external side and the internal
part is partially plastered with mixture of mud and ash. In hand to hand they prepare molded and
intersected shelf like structure which is used for kitchen materials literary known as Zerenga
.Finally in some houses they paint the wall in a mixture of mud ,white and read soil .

Figure 34; floor finishing and wall painting

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 3.8 Social scale

Even if it is difficult to measure the folk architecture in the modern design view point .But there
is a common elements in this issues. Proportion is concerned with the relative size and scale of the
various elements in a design. It is the relationship between objects, or parts, of a whole. This means
that it is necessary to discourse proportion in terms of the context. In the Ankobȁr elliptical
dwellings, the proportion is highly concerned in the social scale.

Figure 35; floor plane and human scale proportion

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 To formulate the elliptical shape according to the informants and structural observation in
the field the community directly use human scale. If the length of the ellipse or genebar literary
forehead is 17 knd (8.5 meter) the width or hode literary stomach is 12 knd (6 meter) and the post
literary quwami will be 12 knd (6 meter) to create a perfect elliptical shape. With simple
mathematical calculation if the length of the building contains 100%, the width of it would be 70%
at the same time the height of the pillar is equal to the width of the house.
The above pictures clearly show us the community viewpoint regarding to the scale is highly
connected with human physical appearance. It is common the calculation for a man’s body based
on the length of heads or faces and feet. These then subdivided and brought in to relationship with
each other, so that they were applicable throughout general life .Even within our own lifetime, feet
and ells have been in common use as measurements.
3.9 Functional integrity and Naturals Ventilation

These traditional architects also designed their buildings such as to take harmonized of the
natural flow of energy. In other words, buildings designed such that air allowed to flow through
them naturally helping control the climate within. These traditional architectural techniques
demonstrate this knowledge of natural ventilation through a building; and it is one particularly
good example.

Figure 36; ventilation in the interior environment

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 These homes designed to tack care of every household’s activity, kitchen, dining, living even for
livestock. So this small opening has a decisive role in the maintaining the stability of air
composition and humidity. Through using ventilation system naturally and relying on convection
and wind currents, to allow air to flow through the houses.
This characteristic and its construction material meanly stone with 70cm wall thickness,
subsequently, helped to keep the building hot throughout cooler season experienced. For the
purpose of airflow through these buildings, the boulders articulate small opening on the roof, an
airspace that allows travel stretching onto the atmosphere
3.10 Function and Materiality

The central place of the pillar (mesaso) is where the wood stove is located .on encircling
the pillar , the member of family ( father , mother and children’s ) together meals, coffee while
reporting their days and planning their future . The beds are particularly oriented to the west –east
direction. The head is always oriented to the west side to the Christians so that they would rise
facing the coming of Christ at the final call of the last day. In fact, facing the rising sun could also
relate to the traditional religion before the introduction of Christianity .the society’s representation
of houses by the flying bird or egg styles (oval) indicates apparently the conceiving ability of their
architecture through observation of natural environment.
In this regards, this building served as dining room, living, cattle space, kitchen etc. such
marks a strong social bond and energy saving mechanism.

Figure 37; family encircling place for dining

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 There is some unique rectangular hole like features at the wall of each individual's house, which
called Golenta, Some of them use this element for storage of small materials and the others use
this element for hen’s egg place.

Figure 38; kitchen equipment placing beneath in the wall

The Cooking/Dining/family, all are situated in the same room but their own active place. The
earthling Medeb which is built by stone and mud mixture for the porous of sitting with the height
of 35 cm. Around the interior surround wall and in the middle of the room surface, Dining table
like structure in different shape (similar in construction with medeb), fireplace at the center of
medeb and shelf like structure zerenga is integrated.

Served as a Dining table

Shelf like structure
(zerenga)

It is difficult to measure in modern architectural perception on account of the community built

their houses in the way that made sense to them, according to their tradition and memory on past.
A satisfactory relation of forms, a harmony of structure and environment, a pleasing variety of
finish and ornament all of this architectural elements would have to see on the eyes of that given
community. It was both deeply meaningful to them, and a material way of making a living.

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 3.11 Compound

According to the informants and site observation, there were changes as well as continuity
through time in number of houses and space in a single-family compound. The compound have
stonewall fence to enclose the area. The mean gate literary known as edmo which is constructed
in layered flat stone and the door made up of wooden frame, at the top like a roof structure which
is covered by Guassa grass. Fencing the compound has an indication of protection and dignity of
the owners.105
There is a parable in the community “ባለቤቱን ካልናቁ አጥሩን አይንቀንቁ” which is literary if you do
not have any disrespectful mental attitude to the owner, you do not have the courage to touch the
fence.
The edmo directs the mean gate and in ancient times, it used to impose the high elevated entry
of the palace and residence of dignitaries /lord/ .most of these mean entries of the actual houses
are oriented strikingly towards west identical to the medieval Ethiopian style.

Figure 39; the Edimo, and stonewall fence

The compound transforms from one single house to the contemporary larger number five to
three houses but the most commune-building compound consists three houses. Now the change
also reviles in construction material and design shapes. Most of the compounds cover 40*50m
area.

105
Interview , Mr, Kefelege Kidan , Mis Ayeleche Amare , Ankobȁr kundi , April 2017
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 1. (edmo)a built entrance
gate to the compound
2. (Elfegn) Bed room
3. Store
4. Adarashe or mehawer
for living room and place
for animals

Figure 40; freehand sketching compound and photograph for comparison

As the number of the houses increase, the function also diversified. In the early times, there
were only one house to serve every aspects of the dwelling but now it is changed. Place for animal
and kitchen, dining room, place for straw, bedroom, etc. commonly seen.

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 CHAPTER FOUR
4.Change and Continuation in the Transformation of Šäwan Bête Negus

To understand purpose and meaning in the process of creating, forming and functioning space in
society. Demands the ability of perceiving architectural forms because the built environment is an
embodiment of human philosophy and activities, for the response towards of the importance of
social , political, and economic meanings ; however each communicating meanings reviles via the
context of function , geometry and purpose .

Unlike the other geometrical shapes in the circle, the viewer encounters the line with eternal
recurrence, neither beginning nor ending, and going around an invisible but very precise center.
This compares with the concept of time, which comes from nowhere and has no end. Circle was
certainly of strong symbolic importance due to its association with sun, moon, and stars for
primitive society. 106 It is anticipated that a sign illustrate something material but the feelings are
addressed more strongly by the circle than by any other sign. Based on their essence, the perceptual
viewers will place themselves either inside or outside the circle. The emotional states of being
inside the circle can perhaps interpreted as a mysterious unity of life. We find the same process at
a given stage of growth, when new life develops from the egg.107
In the community of the study area the concept of ostrich egg in the straw roof have some
religious conception in relation to the indwelling of Holy Spirit and protection. As well after, time
to time the egg changes to clay pottery material, which indicated the owner wealth. The circle can
also be a protection from outside influences. Here, too, we reminded the idea of the life-preserving
eggshell. In psychology, the concept of the cover or wrapping is of the greatest importance. The
infant leaving its mother's womb carries feelings of both protection and the vital breakout to
independence. Our ambivalent feelings toward an opening is well known: feelings of pressure and
anxiety mixed with those of security and protection.
The mediaeval and early 19th c Ethiopian towns space conception and land use settlement
patterns derived from three prominent institutions ; palace, market and church . These institutions
had three fundamental roles political, economic and cultural. All this institutions intertwined in a

106
Adrian Frutiger, Signs and Symbols Their Design and Meaning, Weiss Verlag GmbH, Dreieich, West Germany,
1989,p,43
107
Ibid, pp, 45-47.

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complex web of character. Directly or indirectly the settlement patterns and the meaning of space
in the court depends up on it.108 Therefore, the court is a miniature of the empire with its
organization, regulated and function; the empire itself is nothing but a replica of the royal court
and household.109
In this regard, we need to emphasis on the medieval Ethiopian legal document Ser'ata Mangest
and Ser’ata Geber, as an important political instruction in the royal court life and the surrounding
environment, which gives us clear basic picture in the medieval space conception. Above all, to
keep order and stability in the inclusive activity of the kingdom, the royal court had obliged to
design the legal framework. This legislative act determine not only the way of administration
system but also the use of space and its embodiment of physical environment. 110 Even if these two
prominent legal documents came up with the description of royal court procedures, the śereata‫﮴‬
geber is more detailed and practical regarding lower level of life in the royal court. Whereas the
šereatā māngešt description is more crucial in the description of grandiose ceremonies. 111
This medieval royal court by its nature is a projection of threefold portion; the inner enclosure
of the camp projection contains the royal private residence ,which is the central point of the whole
camp, all the whole settlement patterns and space formation depends up on this principal
center.112On the other hand, it is meanly represented distinct arrangement of diverse town
elements. These elements may take in the form of tents with the central courtyard. Unlike the
permanent town the special setting of community settlement characterized by oral geometrical
pattern. In this case, all the socio-cultural arrangement are symbolic, which connected by its
residences. Such town settlement directly depends up on the king staying at that specific area.
Whereas the newly founded town settlement has manifested in accordance with this tradition. All
the aspects of this legal document determines the medieval Ethiopian town settlement.
As Manfred Kropp summarized the contents šer'atā geber all the settlement patterns were set
strictly in accordance with this regulation: in the following quotation, the space formation guided.

108
Donald Crummey , some precursors of Addis Ababa ; Towns in Christian Ethiopia in the Eighteenth and
Nineteenth centuries , Proceedings of the international symposium on the centenary of Addis Ababa , Nov 24-25 ,
1986, page 21.
109
Manfred Kropp, THE SƎRʿATÄ GƎBR: A MIRROR VIEW OF DAILY LIFE AT THE ETHIOPIAN ROYAL
COURT IN THE MIDDLE AGES, Northeast African Studies, Vol. 10, No. 2/3 (1988), pp. 57
110
Genet Alem, Traditional use and Meaning of urban spaces, p, 97.
111
Manfred Kropp, THE SƎRʿATÄ GƎBR,p 57
112
Ibid , p,57

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 The division of the camp is organized in reference to the Royal in the center including its
enclosure (mäkkabäbya) and various gates. It can be established that there were fourteen
gates in the inner enclosure, not twelve or thirteen as has been assumed. In most of the
previous lists the Bä-Sär -Wagät-Dägg to the right rear of the camp has been forgotten.
There is also a description of the second enclosure (gägwäl or mäggarägä). The second
enclosure is concentric to the first, but the gates of this second cycle are only partially
corresponding in position and names to those of the first enclosure; but perhaps the rest is
simply not mentioned. The use and guarding of these gates is strictly regulated according
to rank and File of the dignitaries and vassals living in the camp, as well as to the troops
serving there. The gates next to the central front gate called Whdchnas-Dägg respectively
Betä-Anbäsa-Dägg in the outer enclosure are more prestigious.113
This detailed judicial orders of settlement helped the royal camp to keep its integrity, even during
military expedition. There were a comprehensive procedure how to select location for temporary
camping and the order around royal tent.114 For instance šereatā māngešt on camping description
of the king in his journey; the Queen would resides behind the king in the other a complementary
pair of the mergef, and there would be a wide road on the left side of her tent. Then in accordance
of their hierarchical rank nobilities settlement pattern arranged. First Blatten-Gettas, the Bejerond
and Teresmba Demssash comp. At the same time according to the order of Blatten –Getta, the
pasha and lords would camp up to Gerra-Feres Deharawi .The Rak-Massare and Derebba-Bet
would camp at the Gerra-Feres Deharawi in the front seen of the king, however it is not in the
closed distance. The Gerra-Azmatche with Gerra-Kurban would comp at the Gerra-kulf. To the
right side of Gerra-Azmatche there was a wide road, in the middle of Darhinda-Feres and Fit-
Feres extending yard the church tents were resides .on the left opposite to the Kulf the Bitwoded
camp and then the Balambaras would camp to the left side, in the front of his camp the Aysenifo
Demsash resides. Finally the Azzajotch and Likawant on the left settled115.

113
Ibid, pp, 52-53.
114
Genet Alem, Traditional use and Meaning of urban spaces, p, 97.
115
Bairu Tafla and Heinrich Scholler , Verfassung und Recht in Übersee / Law and Politics in Africa, Asia
and Latin,America,Vol. 9, No. 4, Nomos Verlagsgesellschaft mbH ,1976, p,11

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 Figure 41; source developed from Manfred kropp and developed plane from Genet Alem

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 Based on the preliminary visual inspection of the existing church structure in Ankobȁr mainly
the archeological remnant of Medhane Alem and the built environment of Mariam. That like
traditional circular Ethiopian Orthodox Church’s design, the church of Medhane Alem was
oriented East-West direction. The importance of the East orientation attached with the central
Christian belief. Paradise as the most Christian symbolic location and the holiest city Jerusalem
situated at the same direction, even according to the informants the final day of Christ would be
happen in the eastern direction. All this arguments considered as explanation for the east –west
orientation.116

The church, like the most common vernacular architecture in in the study area, constructed as
‘Tukul’ circular house with conical roof shape. This circular church is threefold of interior space
partitioned. However, all churches principally should have three different space inside the church
and other two in the compound. The interior space within the church discussed before in this paper
on the literature review, but the other two space outside church; the Aude Mihret space, which
accessed regardless of their purification the whole congregation, gathered. Bethlehem, small
building in the eastern direction of the church to the lower elevation relation to the Kedeste
Kedusan. This eastern orientation had a symbolic interpretation, as Christ was borne in Bethlehem
and Golgotha where he crucified; the same manner the Holy Communion was prepared in
Bethlehem where as Kedest was the place where this Holy Communion presented, the same
manner Christ crucified in Golgotha. 117

Figure 42; church compound Taken from Genet Alem

116
Interview , likekahinat kalehiwot , and Ankobȁr , Mar ,2017
117
Genet Alem, Traditional use and Meaning of urban spaces, p, 92.

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 Figure 43; the remnant of Medhanialem church Ankobȁr
The entrance of the church from the ground level could be reached with a few stairs (five riser
and landing) measuring a total of 1.5m. It constructed by dressed stones. The church has a veranda
measuring a 1.4m. The quene mahlet section measures 3m, mekides 4m and qidist 6m. The church
has a total diameter (including the stairs) of 32.8m.

Figure 44; Detailed CAD illustration

As a construction material, dressed and undressed stone masonry used for the construction of
walls and stairs. A huge amount of hard-core back fill used for foundation. The walls of the church
built by dressed and undressed stone masonry. An earthen mortar - terracotta – with same character
used for floor work used as mortar. Remains of carved decorative stones found on some parts of
stair and walls suggest that the church was highly decorated.

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 Figure 45; carved decorated stone, Photo taken from Abel Assefa

Based on the remaining footprints, the shape of the Quene mahlet and Mekides is circular with
wall thickness of 1.1m. On the other hand, the Qidist chamber have rectangular shape with a wall
thickness of 1.3m at the bottom (except the east wall, which have a wall thickness of 1.2m) and
become 1.2m when it reach at certain height. . However, with a comparative study in Mariam
Church the wall of Qidist, have an Octagonal shape measuring 1.5 m high, and become rectangular
for 4m and finally become circular for 2m with a total of 7.5m until it will be able to connect with
and support the roof work. Like most circular Ethiopian Orthodox Church construction method,
the wall of Qidist have rectangular shape in the bottom/base and become circular when it reach a
certain height so that it will be able to support the roof work and used as a Pillar.

Even if this threefold portion of medieval royal court tradition keeps its functional integrity,
through time there were changes in its geometrical form. For instance, town settlement pattern of
Šäwa transformed geometrically from circular to oblong elliptical shape shoans. In this regards
Angola̎la the town of king Śahlä Śǝllase and king Minilk camp during Adwa expedition in 1886
reflects this change and continuation. The chronicler of King Minlik II, Guebre Sellassie map
indicates that the establishment the camp based up on the principal framework of Ser’ata Mengest.
The organization of this military camp was threefold portion, the center likewise being exist for
the royal household it includes the residence (Elfgn) of the emperor, reception (Adderashe),
kitchens (Gouada), store (Gemdja-bét) and Guards tent.118
In the second quarter of enclosure according to their ranks, higher officials were settle; in front
of the king residence to the northern direction the emperor second person (Liqué-mékouas) and the
master of ceremonies (Agafari) were camp. To the back side of the royal residence with in this

118
Ibid,p,98 .

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concentric circle; the chief of servant (Azaj), the treasurer (Bédjironde), commander of the fortress
(Balmbaras) and commander of the Gate (Dedjatch) camp. As customary Christian culture the
church tent were resides in the eastern direction to symbolize the direction of Jerusalem or
Paradise.119
The third settlement represents the outer courtyard, in this cluster group as it was the frontier
part of enclosure the settlement were related to the purpose of protecting whole settlement. Due to
this reason officers related to military services were resides in accordance of their hierarchical
order, to north in first place “Rases” were camp with commander of the vanguard “Fitawerari”
the most prominently independent officials. Other parts of enclosure especially the rare side
occupied by the officers with commander of the gets “Dedjatch” in this circumstance King
Tékléhaimanot King of Gojam resides.120

Figure 46; developed from svein Ege the palace enclosure of Angola̎la in King Sahile Sellase period and
the settlement of Adewa battel king Menelike by Genet Alem developed from the chronicle of Gebere
Sellase

119
ibid
120
Ibid

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 4.1Perceptual Change and Continuation in Šäwan Bête Negus Form
Forms can be preserve their consistency even in the transformed elements. The change in the
transformation of architectural forms can be takes place either Dimensional, Subtractive or
additive transformation. dimensionally, form can be transformed by changing one or more of its
dimensions and still retain its distinctiveness as a member of a family form, for example, the study
area typology of dwelling an elliptical Bête Mekurab keeps its parent root distinctive character of
circular form of Bête Negus. Therefore, the change, which would happen in dimensionally,
transformed into similar prismatic forms through discrete changes in height, width or length.
However, in subtractive or additive transformation, form transmuted by subtracting or adding
share out of its volume, depending of the extent of this process; the form can be preserve its
primary identity or transformed into a form of another family, for instance Bête Mehawer in the
study area can be figurative representation of such transformation of forms.121

Figure 47; freehand sketching geometrically, the dimensional transformation in the elliptical
dwelling

Figure 48; geometrical transformation by addition or subtraction in Mehawer typology dwelling

121
Francis D.K. Ching, ARCHITECTURE, Form, Space, &Order, Second Edition, A VNR Book
JOHN WILEY & SONS, INC, 1996, pp 46-50.
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Typology Geometrical Shape Roof system Description
Bête Perfect circular in form, Two types of
Negus roofing system implemented in this. In
contemporary community, this typology of
building constructed by wood and chikka
mortar. It had partition according to the
diameter of the interior surface , if the
diameter is large it may portioned in to
five, the medium size had three class , and
sometimes it did not have any partition
Bête Oblong in its form , two types of roofing
Mehawer system
The first by placing support post in the
corner of interior partition wall, commonly
sixe mean posts. The middle wooden
beams connected by horizontal member to
hold vertical roof support wood column,
( literary known as Wáfe (bird) ,
The second roof, overall roof system laid
up on two mean vertical wooden column
like support (mesaso), in its pic connected
by horizontal roof member worked as
walta to reconnect all the roof system.
Bête More or less the same roof system with the
Mekurab second roofing of mehawer typology the
or mean difference is the dimension of
Adarashe horizontal member walta, to form perfect
elliptical form the walta measured half of
the distance between two mean posts.

Table 2; summery of geometrical transformation

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 4.2 Conclusion

Architecture fosters the social life of a give community by reflecting perceptions of life on the
buildings external appearance of the house, the arrangement of rooms and spaces. At the same
time, materiality is also, about how material things do simply reflect ideas associate with the way
of life. People did not have abstract concepts about how to live, the houses, which is built by a past
generation and modified through coming each generation, on the base of their forefathers. This
meant that the house and social life acted at each level, back-and-forth on one another. Social ideas
always transfer by housings materialism. Therefore, it is common also in the elliptical housing of
Ankobȁr.

The writer in this paper tried to assess the knowledge and the material cultures of elliptical
shape dwellings of Ankobȁr. Especially on the way of other related structures, which did not found
in the study area and document analysis from the eyes of traveler accounts to the contemporary
structural changes. From the single old age alive wittiness of the monastery banquet in Mitake
Tekele Hayemanot Debere Thsehay, The Entoto palace enclosure, and the dwelling of present-day
houses in the study area.

Hierarchical order through using space in the courts of Ankobȁr, Angola̎la and the banquet
ceremonies had very great contribution for social order and facilitating royal service. The values
of space attached to religious persons and elites to determine the meaning and use of space. At the
same time, the socio-political administration guided the pattern of physical development and
pattern of land use through administrative ordering mechanism.

The location of the royal palace as well as the gates around inner and outer royal enclosure had
an organized element for the whole settlement. Each door on the inner and outer enclosure had
names, which somehow indicated particular activities or status in relation to the space
This elliptical dwellings highly ties with a strong cultural affliction, they are authentic, closer
to the earth and more functional. That the builder primary purpose is to came up with a satisfactory
relation of forms, a harmony of structure. In this specific area, the most common house typologies
elliptical in nature and meanly the roof supported with two pillars and another horizontal beam
like structure to create a perfect elliptical shape. On the other hand, the second type of housing

90 | P a g e
design is Mehawere, which is not elliptical in shape but some kind of semicircular structure derived
from rectangular shape, and mostly built from wood.
Detailed analysis of historical documents and comparative study in the vernacular
architecture helps us to figure out space and hierarchical conception of the Šäwan royal court. We
can consider the change and continue which saw in medieval and early modern Ethiopian royal
settlement pattern is a direct replica of the transformation of contemporary dwellings. At the
medieval Ethiopian period, the courts were circular in form. The primary document, which states
the order of the king, Ser’ata mangest description all the court design pattern nearly circular.
Eventually through development of geometrical shape at the end of 19th century the court of
Šäwan kings changed into oblong (enkulale) egg shape. Such kind of reputation is seen in this
vernacular designs as the courts from circular to elliptical forms developed likewise the dwellings
also from circular bete neguse to elliptical bete mekurab.
As a result, based on the justification put above, it is possible to conclude that the Šäwan royal
architecture is geometrically elliptical.

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 List of informants

Name of Informant Age Sex Place of Date of Remark

interview interview
1 Ato Jemaneh yemeru 94 M Koremash 20/06/10 Well know
about the
history of
Koremash
2 Getaneh T/Maryam 87 M Koremash 20/06/10 Well know
about the
history of
Koremash
3 Aberash Lema 45 F Koremash 20/06/10 Tour guide of
Koremash
armament
store
4 Demeke Demissew 82 M Koremash 20/06/10 Well know
about the
history of
Koremash
5 Kefeleg Wledekidan 52 M Ankobȁr 10/09/2010 The owner of
house
6 Ayeleche Amare 43 F kundi 10/09/2010 The owner of
house
7 Tekeleweled 87 M Haramba 09/10/2010 Famous local
Habetewelde arctician
8 Likekahinat 72 M Ankober 15/08/2010 Elder and
Kalehiwot priest
9 Alemy Tadesse 50 F Basso 09/10/2010 The owner of
house

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 10 Anberebre Abate 47 M Mitake 25/08/2010 Famous local
arctician
11 Aklilu Belete 65 M Mitake 25/08/2010 Priest and
elder
12 Mulunehe sene 64 M Mitake 25/08/2010 Priest and
elder
13 Hailu ketema 72 M Mitake 25/08/2010 Priest and
elder

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