About AddisFiles

AddisFiles is a growing digital archive of Ethiopian art and design, providing a valuable resource for Habesha artists, researchers, and enthusiasts. It offers access to diverse artistic forms, helping to enrich the creative landscape and preserve cultural memory.

Ethiopian art is often narrowly defined by traditions associated with the Ethiopian Orthodox Church—a perspective reinforced by scholars, popular writings, and Western museums. This focus overlooks the culture's many other creative practices and their evolution over time. Archiving serves as both a means of preservation and a catalyst for innovation in cultural heritage.

My pursuit of this project is a result of being an Ethiopian and an artist who yearns for a safe archival space to channel the sense of warmth and storytelling from back home. Habesha is used to describe the universal yet distinct culture of the people from the Ethiopian and Eritrean region. By expanding the concept of Habesha art, AddisFiles aims to foster a broader understanding of its cultural narratives and their relevance in contemporary contexts.

Community Guidelines

Everyone who identifies as part of this culture should decide what is a part of Ethiopian and Eritrean art history. AddisFiles account holders are responsible for understanding and supporting the following community guidelines:

• All Ethiopian and Eritrean art is part of the historical record. Please help the Archive identify work or comments that some may find offensive.
• AddisFiles does not claim any ownership of items in the Archive. The rights holder retains the trademark and copyright.
• Anonymity and aliases are strongly discouraged, but we understand may sometimes be necessary.
• Propaganda, hate speech, and censorship of any nature is not permitted.
• Be kind and compassionate when adding comments or addressing the moderators. Disparaging messages and/or submissions may be removed.