Emperor Tewodros II's Shirt, Trouser, and Gold Shoes (1869)
Cultural heritage of ethiopia
design Details
Emperor Tewodros II's Shirt, Trouser, and Gold Shoes
Amhara people
1868-1869
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Emperor Tewodros II
Emperor Tewodros II (r. 1855–1868) was a transformative Ethiopian ruler who sought to unify the country and modernize the empire after a period of regional fragmentation. He aimed to strengthen central authority, reform the military, and reduce the power of local nobles. Tewodros is remembered for his strong nationalism and resistance to foreign interference, though his reign ended after conflict with Britain, culminating in his death at Magdala in 1868.
(Source: Wikipedia)
king's ceremonial shirt
Class: Shirt
Dimensions: W. 40 15/16 In. x H. 42 1/2 In. (104 cm x 108 cm)
Medium: Silk, Silver, and Copper Alloy
Descriptions: This shirt is crafted from red silk damask accented with gold embroidery. It is a wide square shape with short sleeves that taper to a narrow cuff and a v-shaped neck; fastened using black cotton loops and round metal buttons, possibly silver on copper alloy. It is decorated with bats, lanterns, beetles and a foliate pattern, with a blue silk lining that is loose at the bottom hem. There are multiple holes in the shirt.
(Source: MAA Museum Website)
king's ceremonial trouser
Class: Pants
Dimensions: W. 42 15/16 In. x H. 41 5/16 In. (109 cm x 105 cm)
Medium: Silk, Silver, and Copper Alloy
Descriptions: This pants is crafted from red silk damask accented with gold embroidery. It is consisting of a wide waistband, multiple panels across the lower body and a wide crotch, with thin legs that are each closed on the inside leg with seven round metal buttons, possibly silver on copper alloy. It has a blue silk inner lining and fastens at the waist with ribbon of coiled blue, red and yellow that terminate in loose tassels. It is decorated with bats, lanterns and beetles, with foliate pattern in gold thread.
(Source: MAA Museum Website)
king's gold slippers
Class: Shoes
Dimensions: W. 4 In. x H. 11 9/16 In. x D. 4 5/8 In. (10.2 cm x 29.3 cm x 11.8 cm)
Medium: Gold, Leather, and Amethyst
Descriptions: These slippers once belonged to Tewodros II, Emperor of Abyssinia (Ethiopia). They are an extraordinary pair of ceremonial slippers crafted from red leather and elaborately worked filigree gold. The design features upcurved, pointed toes and tapered, pointed tongues, reflecting both royal status and refined craftsmanship. Each slipper is richly ornamented with rose-cut amethysts set into the gold filigree, adding subtle color and symbolic luxury. The shoes are further distinguished by their metal soles, suggesting they were intended for formal or ceremonial use rather than everyday wear. Together, they exemplify the opulence of imperial Ethiopian regalia and the high level of metalworking artistry associated with Tewodros II’s reign.
(Source: Royal Collection Trust Website)