Description: Antique Ethiopian Orthodox Christian Magic Healing Scroll Ge'ez Script. Antique Ethiopian Coptic Christian Ge'ez Vellum Healing Scroll Healing scrolls are made by Däbtäras, unordained clerics of the Ethiopian Orthodox church who also practice traditional medicine. To be most effective, each scroll is customized according to astrologically derived guidelines. The preparation of parchment begins a ritual in which the animal substitutes for the afflicted, and the finished scroll substitutes for their skin. This symbolic relationship engenders a close connection between the scroll and its owner. The patron is first rubbed with a live animal, and later bathed in its blood and stomach contents. Only then is the skin soaked, dried, and scraped, after which the finished parchment is cut and sewn into a scroll. Portable scrolls made to the length of the customer offer head-to-toe spiritual protection, while longer scrolls protect a household. In Tigrinya-speaking areas, a person-sized scroll is called ma’ero qumät (“full size”), or more generally, tälsäm (talisman). In Amharic-speaking regions, the scroll is called yä branna ketab (“written on skin”). In some cases, the astrological formulas are less closely adhered to. Däbtäras may rely on a repertoire of familiar prayers and talismanic images, or repurpose existing scrolls by inserting a new client’s name. Healing scrolls are written in Ge’ez, a 2,000-year-old indigenous Semitic language. Once the lingua franca of the Axsumite empire, Ge’ez is now the liturgical language of the Ethiopian orthodox church . Ethiopian magical literature which includes healing scrollse relies upon the invocation of the secret names of god (asmat). By mastering these many names, a däbtära or other priest can oblige God to aid his client. The scrolls’ prayers are composed of passages from Christian books that invoke these or other protective and curative words. Approximately 19th century Measurements: 5ft .2 H x 4 inches W Condition : As with all antiques, this item has been used , the piece show signs of wear and tear consistent with age with marks , scratches and scuffs. For delivery outside mainland Uk , we will take out of frame and post rolled up. Delivery is free only for mainland Uk. Delivery to most parts of mainland UK- usually within 5-10 working days of receiving cleared payment for the item.
Price: 598 GBP
Location: Liverpool
End Time: 2024-09-20T20:10:43.000Z
Shipping Cost: 51.02 GBP
Product Images
Item Specifics
Returns Accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Date of Publication: c 19th c
Type: Illuminated Manuscript
Language: Ge'ez
Region: Africa
Material: Velum
Subject: Magic
