Ik ben omdat jij ooit was | እኔ ያለሁት አንተ ስለነበርክ ነው

About the project

The Ethiopian coffee ceremony is more than just a way of preparing coffee; it is a moment of connection, a celebration of friendship, and an opportunity for generations to come together, share, and experience.

“I am because you were” is a series of handcrafted wall hangings that bring the Ethiopian coffee ceremony to life. The works show how traditions connect generations and highlight the importance of our intangible cultural heritage.

Documenting traditions like this helps us become aware of the cultural richness we inherit, carry with us, and pass on. These are the stories, customs, and values that connect us — both now and in the future. In doing so, we not only preserve a piece of history, but also deepen our understanding of who we were and, more importantly, who we can become.

How the work was created

The works are rooted in personal memories and cultural heritage. The illustrations in this project emerged from extensive visual research into Ethiopian visual language, interwoven with Muna’s own design style.

Through textile, the gestures, symbolism, and atmosphere of the coffee ceremony are captured. Inspired by the patterns, textures, and colors of traditional woven fabrics and clothing from Ethiopian culture, past and present come together in a new visual translation.

Each wall hanging is a layered composition where personal interpretation and cultural heritage meet – not only in imagery, but also in its physical construction. The works are carefully crafted using a combination of techniques such as printing, screen printing, and embroidery, with each layer and symbol representing a deeper meaning within the whole.