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John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
Lion of Judah Statuette
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
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Lion of Judah Statuette

Artifact IDMO 63.2000
Object Type Statue
Date c. 1960
Date Presented10/1/63
Gifter
Place MadeEthiopia, Africa
Medium Silver, gold plate
DimensionsOverall H 7 1/4 in x W 8 in (18.4 cm x 20.3 cm)
Physical DescriptionSilver statue of a striding lion wearing a gold crown. The lion is mounted on a silver base. The surface of the statue has casing lines in block pattern to give the illusion that the statue is made of stone. The lion's haunches are raised from the surface of the body to suggest muscles. The mane of lion is comprised of shingled spikes of silver. The Lion of Judah is the national symbol of Ethiopia, and "Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah" is the title of every Ethiopian Emperor.
King Haile Selassie referred to himself as the conquering lion of the tribe of Judah. As this lion wears the royal crown, it may be a representation of the Emperor himself.
Historical NoteThis sculpture was presented to President Kennedy by Haile Selassie, Emperor of Ethiopia (1930-1974) during his state visit to the White House on October 1, 1963
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteItem was a gift from a foreign official to the President and First Lady received through the Executive office during the Kennedy Administration and transferred to the General Service Administration where it was held until donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from Heads of State (National Archives Identifier 1677008)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Related Links
Welcome address to Haile Selassie: