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The aim of this study was to investigate symbolic communication of the rock hewn churches of Lalibela. The study has tried to identify, groping, and meaning of signs that available in the rock hewn churches. To find out the symbolic signs, the semiotics theoretical framework was used to analyze and interpret the data by using typology of sign and semiotics tools which are focusing on signifiers and signified relations and denotative and connotative meanings. In this study, qualitative design has been employed to investigate the symbolic communication of the rock hewn churches of Lalibela. Thus, observation and in-depth interview were the main data collection tools and the data were analyzed qualitatively which means interpretation and presentation have been used. Six rock hewn churches were selected purposively for this study; four are monolithic and the rest two are semi- monolithic churches. To assure the credibility of the study, the researcher has audio and video records. This study found out that, the symbolic signs of rock hewn churches of Lalibela are mostly communicated based on its signified and connotation meanings. Besides, three kinds of Iconic signs are found in the rock hewn churches of Lalibela which are sculptures, painting sculptures and painting pictures some of which are controversial symbolic signs. Overall, the results of this study show that symbolic signs have not only religious and Biblical significance but also technological issues like drawing and painting, writing, ink preparations, water and tunnel technologies are the main findings that have been introduced by king Lalibela. |
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