Habit of an Ethiopian in 1581

by Thomas Jefferys

This captivating copperplate engraving, created by the celebrated cartographer and geographer Thomas Jefferys, provides a remarkable 18th-century view of African attire in the latter part of the Renaissance era. Created using records from as far back as 1581, the image presents the “habit” (costume) of an individual from Ethiopia, highlighting the European interest in the varied cultures of the Horn of Africa during the Age of Exploration.

The piece demonstrates the complex folds of fabric worn as well as the distinctive silhouettes used to denote whether an individual was of noble or common status in Ethiopia. The classic neoclassical style of Thomas Jefferys’ engraving brings a fresh approach to the 16th-century illustration, making it an essential addition to Africana collections.