In the Adulis region of modern-day Eritrea and Ethiopia, a team of researchers has uncovered 4th-century ritual basins lined with polished black obsidian. These basins were located at the entrance of an early Christian basilica, but the presence of pre-Christian carvings suggests they were adapted from earlier Aksumite water festivals that celebrated the seasonal rains.
The discovery provides a critical link between ancient pagan purification rites and the modern Timkat (Epiphany) festival, where thousands of people gather for communal water blessings. The use of obsidian was likely intended to create a "water-mirror" effect, reflecting the stars during the nocturnal segments of the festival, a practice meant to harmonize the earth with the heavens.