Location

The old church Mika’el Mǝrǝro is carved in the west rock face of an outcrop of white sandstone, south of Aṣbi. The small church has been significantly enlarged by a built extension to the west. Recent excavation at the site has seen the creation of a small dwelling, east of Mika’el Mǝrǝro, rather than a new church.

 

House Description

(by Tarn Philipp)

The humble home consists of a circular chamber with a single entrance from the south. The space is roughly 3.5m in diameter and 2m in height. The surrounding wall includes two niches and a recessed cross opposite the entrance. Integrated seating runs along the lower northwest wall and a bed is carved at the base of the remaining wall. The bed is topped with a wooden platform that conceals a carved basin which is to be the craftsman’s grave. Concrete has been used to frame the entrance and secure a small piece of corrugated iron above the wooden door, which is painted light pink.

The craftsman, Aba Gǝbrӓmӓdḫǝn Asbǝh Gǝbrӓmӓsqӓl, is an elderly farmer in pursuit of a spiritual life. He had no experience, but having carved some stone steps to the adjacent church, became inspired to carve his home from the rock. Progress was slow and the undertaking took him two years to complete (2011 – 2013 Gregorian Calendar).

 

Getting There

The church of Mika’el Mǝrǝro and the newly carved dwelling are a ten-minute drive south of Aṣbi. No walk is required.

Date(s) Visited: 11 April 2017

A conversation with Aba Gǝbrӓmӓdḫǝn Asbǝh Gǝbrӓmӓsqӓl

Mǝrǝro Mikáel
Aṣbi Wӓmbӓrta Region, Tǝgray, Ethiopia
(Filmed in his rock hewn home beside the church)
April 11, 2017

 

Images
(Please click to enlarge)