The Queen of Sheba

The Queen of Sheba was from Axum, Ethiopia.  She was African (obviously) and around 1083 BC, she traveled to Jerusalem where she had sex with King Solomon.  She gave birth to a little boy and named him Melenik.  As a young man, Melenik brought 12,000 Israelites through north Africa from Jerusalem to Ethiopia - which explains the strong Jewish influence in today's Ethiopian culture.  King Melenik eventually became the King of Ethiopia.  This monarchy that descended from the Queen of Sheba remained in power in Ethiopia until 1974 when Haile Salassie passed away.

Haile Selassie's original name is Ras Tafari.  Yes - say it fast: Rastafari!  He is the origin of Rastafarianism.

  In the 60's Ras Tafari (or Haile Salassie) traveled to Jamaica where there had been a long drought and severe poverty.  A respected Jamaican journalist had written a column saying a black leader would come and save the people.  The day Haile Selassie (Ras Tafari) arrived, it began to rain. and rain. and rain.  He spoke to the people and promised aid from his country of Ethiopia.  In addition, he gave a portion of his land in central Ethiopia to all Jamaicans - for free.  This began a deep and spiritual belief in his holiness, Ras Tafari.  And don't forget that he is a direct descendent of the Queen of Sheba.  THIS is why you will see the symbol for "the star of David" represented in most Rastafarian symbolism.

My photos are of a two-day visit to Axum, Ethiopia.  Enjoy.