Late 17th century AD. A small wooden folding polyptych with carved frame and suspension block, painted scenes including nimbate figures of Täklä-Haymanot accompanied by Abunä Ewostatéwos and Abuna Aregawi, Nativity scene with angels Michael and Gabriel near the Holy Child and the Virgin Mary, and St George (Bet Gorgis) on horseback, Ge?ez script legends; the wood beautifully carved with an elaborate cross (Meskel) on both sides. See Chojnaki, S., 'Notes on Art in Ethiopia in the 16th Century: an Enquiry into the Unknown Author(s)' in: Journal of Ethiopian Studies, Vol. 9, No. 2 (July 1971), pp. 21-97.116 grams, 12.2cm (4 3/4"). Ex central London gallery since 2008; formerly in a UK private collection. Usually Saint George is represented as a dragon killer, but Bet Gorgis, represented as a simple rider, is found in early icons dating from the 16th century AD and on late icons of 17th century. The first shows characteristics of 15th century art, the second of Gondarene art. The spear carried by the saint is either slanted forwards and upwards or resting on his shoulder and directed to the back. [No Reserve]