Magic scrolls from Ethiopia Cult images of magical rites The educated Christians of Ethiopia consider the art of talisman to be a "secret doctrine" whose origin myths come from the Book of Enoch and the Solomon legend. There are two different interpretations of their origin. According to one, they were secretly stolen and revealed by AZAZIEL before the Flood, according to the other, it was GOD himself who revealed the various figures of the 'Old Testament'. The protective/magic scrolls are called "written on leather" (Amharic: yä-be-ranna ketab) or "talismans" (ṭälsäm). The use of talismans & prayers is only one aspect of Ethiopian medicine. Added to this is the use of medicinal products made from plant and animal substances. Both methods are in harmony with each other, since the first acts on the spiritual cause of the illness and the second on its symptoms. The Dabtaras adapt the figures to their own ideas by centering them on the eyes. Their fascinating explanation for this is that the depiction of a terrifying demonic gaze has healing properties. The drawing always aims to highlight the power of the eyes. It is not a question of depicting good or bad eyes, but rather those that have an immediate effect on the sick person and free him from his possession. The aura that emanates from the eyes is generally given great importance in Ethiopia. Big eyes are the main sign of beauty. Thus, the depiction centered on the eyes is a characteristic of the most common type of role. Two other types that are less common are the symbolic and character-like talismans. Bound books with protective properties are made for educated people; they are copies of ancient models. The magic scrolls, on the other hand, are intended for illiterate people and are based on the individual life and illness conditions of the recipient.
Magic scrolls from Ethiopia
Cult images of magical rites
The educated Christians of Ethiopia consider the art of talisman to be a "secret doctrine" whose origin myths come from the Book of Enoch and the Solomon legend. There are two different interpretations of their origin. According to one, they were secretly stolen and revealed by AZAZIEL before the Flood, according to the other, it was GOD himself who revealed the various figures of the 'Old Testament'.
The protective/magic scrolls are called "written on leather" (Amharic: yä-be-ranna ketab) or "talismans" (ṭälsäm).
The use of talismans & prayers is only one aspect of Ethiopian medicine.
Added to this is the use of medicinal products made from plant and animal substances.
Both methods are in harmony with each other, since the first acts on the spiritual cause of the illness and the second on its symptoms.
The Dabtaras adapt the figures to their own ideas by centering them on the eyes.
Their fascinating explanation for this is that the depiction of a terrifying demonic gaze has healing properties.
The drawing always aims to highlight the power of the eyes.
It is not a question of depicting good or bad eyes, but rather those that have an immediate effect on the sick person and free him from his possession.
The aura that emanates from the eyes is generally given great importance in Ethiopia.
Big eyes are the main sign of beauty.
Thus, the depiction centered on the eyes is a characteristic of the most common type of role.
Two other types that are less common are the symbolic and character-like talismans.
Bound books with protective properties are made for educated people; they are copies of ancient models.
The magic scrolls, on the other hand, are intended for illiterate people and are based on the individual life and illness conditions of the recipient.