Name
Queen's Medallion by Yatreda: Toledo Museum of Art
Description
ማህተም ከንግስት
The Queen grants you safe passage from Toledo all the way to her realm in Ancient Abyssinia. She bestows upon you the Queen’s Medallion—a diplomatic passport and symbol of her protection. This medallion serves as a safe conduct pass, ensuring that all under her rule will honor your journey. Should any lesser ruler, chieftain, or civilian question your passage, simply present them with the Queen's Medallion and continue unfettered. May your journey be blessed.
A motion portrait created by Yatreda ያጥሬዳ for the House of Yatreda exhibition held in concert with Ethiopia at the Crossroads exhibition as a part of the 2024 Digital Artist in Residency at the Toledo Museum of Art.
The Abyssinian Queen’s portrait and the inscription was 3D printed into a medallion mold using a reference photograph of Yayu, who plays the Abyssinian Queen. The inscription is written in Ge’ez, an ancient language of Ethiopia. The translation translates to “Safe passage from Abyssinia to Toledo, Queen of the land of Abyssinia.” The mold was then filled with bronze and forged to the specifications of Yatreda. The final physical bronze medallion was then filmed in-situation on digital video. The final video artwork was then minted into editions.