Created in their own image: A comment on Beta Israel figurines

This paper examines the statuettes produced both in Ethiopia and in Israel by the Beta Israel (Falasha). Previous studies of these statuettes have focussed around the issues of antiquity and authenticity. Those who have erroneously accepted the antiquity of the statuettes have ignored the issue of relations between the Falasha and external forces, and seen these works as a valuable clue concerning their past. Those who have recognized that such statuettes are a form of 'tourist art' and date back no later than the1960s have tended to dismiss them as inauthentic. This article argues that these statuettes provide valuable insights concerning changing forms of 'Ethiopian Jewish' identity and relations with outsiders. In particular, emphasis is placed on the evolution of the statuettes from Jewish ethnic art in Ethiopia to Ethiopian ethnic art in Israel.