Ethiopian manuscript book

Written on vellum in Ge'ez, the ancient Ethiopian church language, this well-worn manuscript book, with wooden covers, contains psalms and hymns from the Old Testament, the Song of Solomon, and prayers to the Virgin Mary.

Although it looks medieval, the volume is thought to date from the 19th century.

It was stored in a stained camel-skin, two-piece case, with straps. The case still smells of the campfires around which the book's readers once sat.

Donated by the Friends of the State Library.

Permission to use this item for any purpose, including publishing, is not required from the State Library under these conditions of use.

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