Inspiration Behind our Designs

Lion of Judah
Perhaps one of the most iconic symbols dating back to the 13th century associated with the visit of our Queen of the South to Jerusalem. The Kebre Negest, asserts descent from a retinue of Israelites who returned with the Queen of Sheba from her visit to King Solomon in Jerusalem, by whom she had conceived the Solomonic dynasty's founder Menelik I. As Solomon was of the tribe of Judah, his son Menelik I would continue the line, which according to Ethiopian history was passed directly down from king to king until Emperor Haile Selassie I. It is a symbol that represents the best of Ethiopianism passing down throughout history as a beacon of strength, kingship, pride, and African sovereignty.

The Cross
The cross is more than the near-universal symbol of Christianity. This simple design carries the message of love, finality, fulfilled promises, and more to people around the world. For Ethiopians, it even has a deeper meaning of faith and meaning of true sacrifice. For our Queen of Sheba, it is perhaps the most important aspect of her being, carrying her throughout history spreading the message. The cross represents the greatest sacrifice ever made and the assurance of salvation. It’s an incredible gift to ponder, perhaps in the form of a watch becoming one of the primary designs inspiring the Nigiste Saba brand.

Founder of Nigiste Saba Watches
Nigiste Saba Watches was started in 2013 in Massachusetts USA by Fairuz Zein. She found inspiration and beauty in Ge’ez numbers and the history of Queen Sheba, whom Fairuz related as she is Ethiopian with a Yemeni heritage. Since 2013, Fairuz has expended the business world wide, including opening a store Ethiopia in 2019. She lives in New York City and works as a biologist.