**First Time At Auction**

Horn of Africa, Ethiopia, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. A long scroll comprised of three pieces of sewn together vellum with calligraphic prayer passages in black and red ink and figural imagery. Scrolls like this example were typically made from multiple strips of prepared vellum cut into equal lengths - here two. Typically the total length represents the height of the person honored by the scroll. Size: 72" L x 3.35" W (182.9 cm x 8.5 cm)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art has several Ethiopian healing scrolls in their collection (accession numbers 2012.5, 2011.377, and 95.66). According to the Metropolitan Museum of Art Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History essay written by Kristen Windmuller-Luna (Department of Art and Archaeology, Princeton University), "Ethiopian healing scrolls eliminate illness by purging evil spirits and demons from a sick person. Part of a larger healing ritual, the scrolls were commissioned by the illiterate to combat grave illnesses. While plant and animal medicines alleviate physical symptoms, the medicinal scrolls alleviate spiritual symptoms. A pan-religious phenomenon practiced among Jews, Christians, and Muslims in the northern regions of Amhara and Tigray, the scrolls restore health by utilizing written words and talismanic images imbued with magical protective powers."

Provenance: private Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA collection; ex-Minerva Gallery; ex-Benjamin Vega, California, USA, acquired in 2006 to 2007; ex-Gene and Virginia George, brought to the USA from 1961 to 1966

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#155325

Old join at center with twine; this is not a repair. Rich patina on all surfaces but artwork is still clear. Edges bent/worn with a few tiny losses and punctures.