A journey across the present-day Ethiopia is a journey across a fusion of ancient kingdoms, tribal confederations, and modern geopolitcal borders. It is an adventure where a portrait photographer can meet over 80 fascinating ethno-linguistic groups, all living under the banner of this single country.
Solomon Mulugeta, an antique dealer in Ethiopia’s cosmopolitan capital of Addis Ababa, best conceptualizes the country today. Solomon is surrounded by cultural treasures from a vast array of ethnic groups, religions and regions— but ultimately these artifacts must share the same cluttered room.
The new generation of Ethiopians embrace their country’s diversity with a sense of pride and national identity. They believe that it is the diverse cultural fabric itself that makes Ethiopians who they are.