{"product_id":"c-1700s-ethiopian-manuscript-book-of-prayers-w-satchel-and-illustration","title":"C. 1700s Ethiopian Manuscript Book of Prayers W\/ Satchel and Illustration","description":"\u003c!-- x-tinymce\/html --\u003e\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eAn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eBound between wooden covers and sewn with cord, the book retains its original structure and character, showing age and use consistent with its history.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIncluded:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eHandwritten parchment manuscript book\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e158 Pages (79 leaves)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eOriginal wooden covers with cord binding\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eHand-stitched leather satchel with shoulder strap\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePhysical Details (Manuscript):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eMaterial: Parchment\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eScript: Geʽez\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eInk: Black with red rubrication\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eBinding: Hand-sewn, wooden boards\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eFormat: Portable devotional codex\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePhysical Details (Satchel):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eMaterial: Hand-worked leather\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eConstruction: Stitched and riveted\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eStrap: Long shoulder strap for carrying\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eCondition: Heavy wear consistent with age and use\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eContent \u0026amp; Function:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eSuch manuscripts often include:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003ePrayers and invocations\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eProtective or healing texts\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eReferences to God, Christ, the Virgin Mary, and archangels\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eLiturgical formulas used in personal devotion\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eAn illustrated angel within the manuscript supports its role in protection and intercession.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTranslated Inscription:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA partial reading of the opening page reveals a traditional invocation prayer (Roughly Translated):\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e“In the name of God, the Lord,\u003cbr\u003ethrough Jesus Christ,\u003cbr\u003emay there be blessing and protection.\u003cbr\u003eBy the power of the holy ones,\u003cbr\u003eguard and preserve the faithful\u003cbr\u003efrom evil and affliction.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eThis reflects the devotional and protective nature typical of Ethiopian prayer manuscripts.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Context:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEthiopian 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.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eThe inclusion of the original satchel significantly enhances both authenticity and historical interest, as many manuscripts are separated from their cases over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eManuscript: Age-related wear, staining, and fading; binding intact\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eSatchel: Heavy wear, surface loss, and patina consistent with long-term use\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCollectability:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA highly desirable example for collectors of:\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eAfrican and Ethiopian antiquities\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eReligious artefacts\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eEarly manuscripts\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003eEthnographic objects\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eComplete sets with original satchels are increasingly scarce.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDimensions (W\/ Slipcase\/Satchel):\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWeight - 265g\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHeight - 11.5cm\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWidth - 9cm\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThickness - 4.5cm\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Momo Rare Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53742069055827,"sku":null,"price":1650.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0953\/9187\/5411\/files\/57_28708f2a-2aa5-4bfc-b1c3-cd9794d4fb4e.jpg?v=1778673907","url":"https:\/\/www.momorarebooks.co.uk\/products\/c-1700s-ethiopian-manuscript-book-of-prayers-w-satchel-and-illustration","provider":"Momo Rare Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}