Royal patronage for indigenous and foreign craftsmanship in the Kingdom of Šäwa (Ethiopia) under Nǝguś Śahlӓ Śǝllase, 1813–1847

Abstract

The study examines the history of royal patronage of indigenous as well as foreign craftsmanship in the kingdom of Šäwa under the rule of King ÅšahlÓ“ ÅšÇllase (r.1813–1847). It also investigates the commitment and support of the King to advance indigenous craft technology. The qualitative method was the main approach utilized, and data was collected using interviews, field observations, and document analysis. The findings show that the kingdom of Šäwa experienced more technological progress than any other part of Ethiopia in the first half of the nineteenth century. The ascendancy of an 'enlightened' regional monarch, ÅšahlÓ“ ÅšÇllase, to the throne was the main reason. To improve the kingdom’s technology, unlike his predecessors, he established royal workshops in the main capitals and residential areas, known for their specialization in craftsmanship. The King was also fond of visiting workshops, and he paid considerable attention to them during his reign. In addition, he was the first Šäwan King, who improved contact with foreigners and foreign powers, resulting in the unprecedented arrival of European travellers, visitors, and artisans. The arrival of foreign artisans created a new environment for economic and technological progress, which the King used to teach his people and advance the kingdom's technology. Workshops such as Säräteña Säffära (a workers village), Royal iron-Works and Yä-barud MäwqäÄa (gunpowder foundry), were evidences, which confirmed that the kingdom was making significant technological progress. Thus, the first half of the nineteenth century saw craftsmanship reach its zenith, and King ÅšahlÓ“ ÅšÇllase was a "passionate industrialist" in the kingdom of Šäwa, Ethiopia.