Zagwe Wardrobe, 2023
JOMO TARIKU
Zagwe Wardrobe, 2023
Walnut, ash and Baltic birch
80 x 42 x 24 in
The Zagwe Cabinet is Jomo Tariku’s first large-scale work. Its design is influenced by the architectural styles found in Northern Ethiopia, between the cities of Axum and Lalibela, two cities in close proximity to each other.. The Zagwe dynasty is estimated to have ruled parts of Ethiopia between 900 - 1200 CE, following the decline of the Axumite kingdom to the north. During this time, many rock-hewn churches were built in and around Lalibela. Unlike most of the churches in Lalibela, the church of Yemerhane Kiristos, which influenced the cabinet’s alternating horizontal lines, was built using both stone and wood, resembling architectural styles around Axum. The architects of the period also introduced rectangular log also introduced rectangular logs, moving away from the round shapes found on the Axum stelae. Drawing inspiration from these kingdoms, Tariku has developed a new design language that honors the past and pushes vernacular design forward. The contrasting use of darker walnut and lighter ash wood in the Zagwe Cabinet mirrors the mix of texture and materials in these historic buildings.
“I aim to cultivate a lifelong appreciation for elevated modern African design, and to inspire a deeper and fuller connection to the continent. I weave the continent’s nature, art, and history within each piece I produce. Every design tells a unique story, with no detail overlooked or undervalued.” —Jomo Tariku
