Ethiopian Magic Scroll with Archangel Michael
Early 19th century A.D. Comprising a folded length of thin leather or vellum, with lines of Ge'ez text in black and red ink, coloured figural illuminations at the top depicting the winged Archangel Michael brandishing a sword, wearing a richly decorated lembd as a covering cloak. See Heldman, M., Munro-Hay Stuart, C., African Zion, The sacred art of Ethiopia, Yale University Press, 1993, pp.65, 72.32 grams, 35 cm (13 5/8 in.). Stephen Keynes collection (1927-2017). Ex central London gallery. Ethiopian phylacteries or parchment scrolls combined apotropaic prayers and images. These ‘magic scrolls’ utilise only a few designs that derive from Christian imagery, namely the holy rider, the sword-bearing angel Michael, and the cross. Here the text asks intervention and protection from Saint Michael, commander of the heavenly Host. Interestingly, the accoutrement of the Angel reflects that of the military Ethiopian elite in 19th century A.D. [No Reserve]