WacŁaw Korabiewicz, Stefan Strelcyn and StanisŁaw Chojnacki: Polish Collectors of Ethiopian Art

Abstract

The aim of this article is to discuss the value of Polish collections of Ethiopian art conceived in Poland in the 20th century and to describe the times and lives of their creators. In most cases, these collections are associated with the figures of three very distinguished and famous Poles who were the precursors of research studies which were concentrated on the rich and diverse Ethiopian art and culture. These three renowned researchers whom I would like to present and discuss are as follows: Waciaw Korabiewicz, Stefan Strelcyn and Stanislaw Chojnacki. When considering the topic of Ethiopian art collections, we must not forget about the archetypal European colonial system, which can be seen as the policy of a nation seeking to extend or retain its authority not only over other people and territories but also in the sphere of culture.