BBC - MYTHS AND HEROES: THE QUEEN OF SHEBA: The Kebra Negast, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Kessis Dessaleng Simeneh of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church shows us the priceless Kebra Negast. This is a 13th Century re-write of "The Laws of the Kings", which traces the lineage of the Kings of Ethiopia from the Biblical Solomon, and on it rested the authority of the Ethiopian monarchs. Written in Amharic on sheepskin, this is the only copy in Ethiopia today. It was one of two taken by Lord Kitchener when he invaded. In 1892, Emporer Johannes of Ethiopia petitioned Queen Victoria for their return (a copy of the petition, in Amharic, is also on the desk). The other is still in the British Museum in London. 

Nikon F5, 17-35mm, Fuji Velvia 100