Ancient Book, Manuscript - Miniature Coptic Bible, Talisman - Vellum And Wood - Liturgy In Ge'ez

Late 18th - Early 19th Century Ethiopia - Ethiopian Orthodox Church This magnificent miniature Coptic Bible, handwritten on vellum and bound in wood, is a fine example of the religious tradition of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Composed of 26 double-sided pages (52 pages in total), it condenses great spiritual wealth into a small format. The text is written in Ge'ez, an ancient Semitic language, today used only in the religious services of the Ethiopian and Eritrean Church. This manuscript is part of this venerable tradition, where Ge'ez, with its distinctive characters, preserves the sacred and liturgical texts. Intended for personal use, the miniature Bibles did not contain the entirety of the Scriptures, but rather essential passages, such as Psalms or excerpts from the Gospels, for prayer and meditation. This type of pocket book allowed the faithful to meditate on selected texts during moments of meditation or during ceremonies. Compact and easily transportable, this manuscript was often used as a protective talisman, accompanying its owner in his daily spiritual life. The 52 handwritten pages, in black and red, respect the tradition of liturgical manuscripts, where red is used to underline important titles or passages. This type of layout reflects the spiritual importance of each word in the context of a prayer or ceremony. Made from vellum, a parchment known for its durability, and bound in wood, this manuscript shows remarkable craftsmanship. The vellum and the wooden binding testify to a solid construction, designed to last for many years. The natural wear of the work, visible in particular on the wooden cover and the pages, reinforces its authenticity and underlines its long devotional use. Please note: Despite its age, this miniature Bible remains in good condition. The vellum, although patinated with time, retains good readability (except for a slight wear on the introductory page). The wooden binding is still functional. Dimensions: Height: 5.5 cm Width: 3.5 cm ALL DELIVERIES ARE MADE BY DHL EXPRESS ONLY!