Jos van Beurden – författare

This book examines the complex challenges European nations face when returning colonial-era looted art, focusing on three critical dilemmas. The author uses numerous examples from the Netherlands.

Ethiopia is an amazing and mysterious country. People are moved by its rich nature, culture and history, which are linked both with the Western and Islamic worlds. Ethiopia is the home of coffee and khat, the place where the oldest human being in the world was found. It harbours the source of the Blue Nile in the west and numerous treasures of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Rock hewn churches and their relics lie hidden in the majestic mountainous landscapes of the north. In the east, people and landscapes blend into different customs, scents and colours, almost unnoticeably. In this warm fertile lowland, the impressive Harar is found: the city of a hundred mosques. Further south, there is a land of promise with lush meadows, glittering lakes and natural parks. This is the region of many colourful peoples with their centuries-old values and customs. In this country of rich traditions much is changing. In Ethiopia, modernisation has begun, not only in terms of construction, technology and education, but also in the minds of its inhabitants. With its diversity of peoples, landscapes, cultures and traditions, this creates a stimulating force. Ethiopians are proud, friendly and religious. Regardless of whether they are Christian or Muslim, or worship ancient nature gods, religion provides most Ethiopians harmony, a foothold and hope. Ethiopia: Footsteps in Dust and Gold is an amazing journey through an incredible landscape, beautifully illustrated with evocative text and illuminating photographs that fully capture its colourful diversity.