Calligraphy Item Number: Ca53 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Small scroll with red script on inside.
History Of Use
Inscribed scroll (ketab) for enclosure in an amulet. The scrolls are written by dabtaras- educated, ordained layman in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, who gain their status through study or through membership in clergy families. Dabtaras are believed to have the power to affect the spiritual realm through inscriptions of incantation literature and talisman drawings. Dabtaras use this spiritual power for both the protection and harm of individuals. Often as an income supplement to their clergy work, these amulet scrolls are worn as necklaces, usually within leather pouches or silver cases. Ketab are believed to provide both physical and spiritual protection and health to its wearer, but dabtaras can also produce curses. This scroll is likely a curse.
Cultural Context
religion; talisman
Item History
- Made in Ethiopia before 1974
- Collected during 1974
- Owned by Lemma Admasu before December 27, 1979
- Received from Lemma Admasu (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Donations Fund (Funding source) on December 27, 1979
What
- Name
- Calligraphy
- Identification Number
- Ca53
- Type of Item
- calligraphy
- Overall
- height 46.4 cm, width 2.5 cm
Who
- Culture
- Amhara
- Previous Owner
- Lemma Admasu
- Received from
- Lemma Admasu (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Donations Fund (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Ethiopia
When
- Creation Date
- before 1974
- Collection Date
- during 1974
- Ownership Date
- before December 27, 1979
- Acquisition Date
- on December 27, 1979
Other
- Item Classes
- works on paper
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 0587/0021