Description:

Eastern Africa, Horn of Africa, Ethiopia, Amharic or Tigrinya peoples, ca. 19th century CE. A lengthy vellum parchment scroll known as a 'scroll of healing' with a sword-wielding figure on top and several rows of black and red text. The warrior figure represents the archangel Phanuel who dons an elaborate vestment with red and yellow stripes as well as red and yellow wing feathers while standing atop a polychrome, tessellated ground. The dozens of Amharic prayer lines that are transcribed on this parchment were written by a dabtara, an unordained priest who creates vellum documents as physical wards against illness or evil forces brought forth by malevolent spirits. A fine example of a religious document from Ethiopia! Size: 73.5" L x 4" W (186.7 cm x 10.2 cm)

Cf. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 95.66

Provenance: private Ventura County, California, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#157542

  • Condition: Several small perforations, with minor staining, small peripheral tears, and fading to pigment in some areas, otherwise intact and very good. Great remains of Amharic text and original colors.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

September 10, 2020 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000