Ethiopian Coptic Icon

This rare Ethiopian Coptic icon features images of important saints carved into stone.  Icons like this one, also known as prayer boxes, are used for devotional purposes, often as offerings on personal altars.  Many Coptic Christians believe that the icons are filled with the spiritual presence of the saints, and prayers made to the icon are offered directly to the saints pictured.

This Coptic icon is the subject of the Museum’s 2017 Conservation Fund campaign.  The shrine’s doors have fallen off, and several pieces of the main box are being temporarily held together.  Due to its condition, it must be permanently stabilized before it can be included in an upcoming exhibit focusing on world religions.  The help of our supporters is essential to completing the conservation of this important artifact.  Learn more about the Conservation Fund here.