Much of the art that is considered pure Ethiopian art is derived from Orthodoxy. Before the art became as popularized as it is today, Africans did not consider Christian art apart of African art. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church (EOC) artwork was viewed as “too different” and ultimately ignored Africans even though ethnographers had been documenting EOC paintings long before neighboring African countries’ artwork. The artwork of the EOC comes from its spiritual home in the northern hills of Ethiopia called Aksum. Aksum is widely known for its beautifully hand painted pieces that are made by local groups dedicated to Orthodox. One artist famous for his paintings from Aksum is Berhanemeskel Fisseha. Berhanemeskel followed the EOC and served a deacon with his artwork. His abilities allowed him to paint walls on local churches, sketched images on chalkboards, and pencil and paper sketches. Since his prime, Berhanemeskel has passed down his art to his son and other locals, but the locals use the techniques to sell to tourists. A lot of Berhanemeskel’s pieces are still on display in the church of Enda lyesus of St. Mary with Her Beloved Son. Another artist that follows the EOC that is arguably more famous than Berhanemeskel is Hailmariam Zerue. Hailemariam opened his own local shop that was near the Axum Touring Hotel. Though the hotel no longer exist, Hailemariam’s work still inspires churchgoers in Ethiopia today. The reason for why his work is so respected is because in the EOC it is difficult for an artist to come up his own ideas. Most of the paintings must represent “proper Christian life”. This means any image of Jesus, St. Mary, the Trinity, a saint or Biblical narrative must be able to be distinguished by any religious person. The only medium that allows for ample creativity is wood because an artist can change the depth of the carve, type of wood, design, and amount and shape of any windows displayed within the piece.