MS Ethiopian 6

18-19th century prayers of magical character

Ethiopia, 18-19th century

Vellum; Material: perg; Scroll composed of 2 strips. Traces of sewing indicates there was originally a third strip. The scroll would have been designed to be equal in length to the height of the person the scroll was composed for, in order that the entirety of the person was protected against demons and the return of evil spirits (Mercier); roll dimensions: diameter 80 mm, length 1275 mm

(1924-07-29): Purchased at auction by the Wellcome Historical Medical Museum at Stevens, 29 July 1924, lot 199. Accessioned in October 1937, accession number 88614

Rather tall, thin and careful handwriting

Ge'ez

(not after 1868): Two previous owners are named: and .

(not before 1855, not after 1868): Part of the library of Tewodros II, Emperor of Ethiopian at Maqdala.

(1868-04): Taken from Maqdala by the British armed forces following the British Expedition to Abyssinia in April 1868.