Ethiopian Christianity in the V&A: Song of Songs and Haile Selassie I

Day One: 

Recent research has provided new information about the believed scribe and possible owner of the Psalter. Theologians and historians will deliver presentations that provide insight into the practice of Christianity in Ethiopia dating back to 4th century AD and the structure and decoration of the Book’s 150 pages.

The National Art Library’s Chief Librarian, Richard Espley, will discuss the Book’s acquisition by the V&A – its association with the 1868 Battle of Maqdala and subsequent sale to the museum. Visitors will acquire knowledge regarding the relevance of government legislation to the V&A’s retention of the Book on behalf of the nation within these contexts.

Day Two:

The visual representation of Emperor Haile Selassie I (the final Ethiopian leader of the Solomonic dynasty) within African diasporic music will be explored across the development of Rastafarianism in 1930s Jamaica, through to the political and cultural use of his image within reggae, dub music, and sound system culture.

Detailed event programme to be announced.

In association with the V&A exhibition The Music is Black: A British Story, opening 2026.