Momo Rare Books
C. 1700s Ethiopian Manuscript Book of Prayers W/ Satchel and Illustration
C. 1700s Ethiopian Manuscript Book of Prayers W/ Satchel and Illustration
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An authentic Ethiopian manuscript codex dating to approximately the mid-18th century (c. 1700s), accompanied by its original hand-made leather carrying satchel. This is a complete traditional set, preserved in the manner it would have been used and transported.
The manuscript is handwritten on parchment (animal skin) in Geʽez, the sacred liturgical language of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. The text is rendered in black ink with red rubrication highlighting sacred names and invocations.
Bound between wooden covers and sewn with cord, the book retains its original structure and character, showing age and use consistent with its history.
Handwritten parchment manuscript book
158 Pages (79 leaves)
Original wooden covers with cord binding
Hand-stitched leather satchel with shoulder strap
Material: Parchment
Script: Geʽez
Ink: Black with red rubrication
Binding: Hand-sewn, wooden boards
Format: Portable devotional codex
Physical Details (Satchel):
Material: Hand-worked leather
Construction: Stitched and riveted
Strap: Long shoulder strap for carrying
Condition: Heavy wear consistent with age and use
This manuscript is most consistent with a devotional prayer or protective religious text, rather than a complete Bible. Its portable size and the presence of a fitted satchel indicate it was intended to be carried—likely by a priest, monk, or lay practitioner—for daily prayer, blessing, or spiritual protection.
Such manuscripts often include:
Prayers and invocations
Protective or healing texts
References to God, Christ, the Virgin Mary, and archangels
Liturgical formulas used in personal devotion
An illustrated angel within the manuscript supports its role in protection and intercession.
A partial reading of the opening page reveals a traditional invocation prayer (Roughly Translated):
“In the name of God, the Lord,
through Jesus Christ,
may there be blessing and protection.
By the power of the holy ones,
guard and preserve the faithful
from evil and affliction.”
This reflects the devotional and protective nature typical of Ethiopian prayer manuscripts.
Ethiopian manuscript traditions preserved ancient methods of bookmaking for centuries. Books like this were often produced by clergy and carried in leather satchels, making them both spiritual tools and personal objects of protection.
The inclusion of the original satchel significantly enhances both authenticity and historical interest, as many manuscripts are separated from their cases over time.
Manuscript: Age-related wear, staining, and fading; binding intact
Satchel: Heavy wear, surface loss, and patina consistent with long-term use
A highly desirable example for collectors of:
African and Ethiopian antiquities
Religious artefacts
Early manuscripts
Ethnographic objects
Complete sets with original satchels are increasingly scarce.
Dimensions (W/ Slipcase/Satchel):
Weight - 265g
Height - 11.5cm
Width - 9cm
Thickness - 4.5cm
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