Eastern Africa, Horn of Africa, Ethiopia, Amharic or Tigrinya peoples, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A lengthy vellum parchment scroll made from goat or sheepskin known as a 'scroll of healing;' with an angel brandishing a sword at the top and magical text to protect against demons and curses. These prayers and talismans are often chosen based on astrological means - which probably stems from the tradition of Islamic divination, and the scroll is written in Ge'ez, the liturgical language of the Ethiopian Coptic Church. The text is transcribed by a dabtara, a clergy figure, and they usually include the name of the person that needs healing into the text, then the dabtara will read the text and bless the afflicted person with holy water. The ill or cursed person will then keep the scroll to display, wear, or even sleep with depending on their need. These scrolls are like medicine used daily or as needed until the vellum disintegrates! Size: 68" L x 4.75" W (172.7 cm x 12.1 cm)

Provenance: private Ventura County, California, USA collection

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#175830

Tears to edges and ends of scroll and a few tiny pinholes through the surface. Some fading and discoloration to images and text, but overall great condition.