EDLD 5366 Digital Graphics and Web Design

Week One Assignment 1.2

My first impression of Bible from Ethiopia was one of a since of simplistic order.  The text uses a uniformed font that is reflective of Ethiopia.  The ancient manuscript reflects the type of design and illustration one might expect to see.  The religious figures are represented with a glowing crown around their heads except for one figure of a woman.  This figure is repeated on several pages and on all pages she doesn’t reflect a glowing crown around her head.  The illustrations around the text remain consistent within each page.  The color palette contains bold, primary colors of blues, reds, greens, and yellows.  The bright color palette reflects the life of the Ethiopian village in relationship to the earth and religious practices.  

The artwork utilizes detail patterns in the borders that remain consistent on both corresponding pages.  The faces of the people are elongated to represent the physical characteristics of Ethiopians and compared to other African nations.  There is repetition in what appears to be a Celtic type knot.  This is seen on almost every page either in whole or part. 

The contrast is provided in the use of red and black font.  All characters related to each other are within proximity of each other.  Angels are viewed with closeness and a separation from the earthly people.  The pictures are uniformed throughout with the repetition of color and proximity of each other. 

The picture of the twelve disciples displays all elements of the design.  You see the contrast between each disciple in their clothing, hair, and facial expressions.  With a closer examination, one can see the contrast of the hand placement on each disciple on the bottom row.  The third disciple seems to be pointing to the disciple on his left.  Repetition is reflected with the glowing crown around each disciple and with all eyes looking to the left.  The disciples are aligned both vertically and horizontally which reflects a feeling of unity.  Their proximity of closeness portrays the thought of closeness and unity after the death of Christ. 

Traveling to Uganda each summer to volunteer has created an awareness of the spiritual aspect of African art.  This website allowed me to explore closely manuscripts that are unreachable.  What a special gift to have discovered.  I look forward to returning to examine further manuscripts.