Bidspirit auction | Ghost roll, 19th century.

Ghost roll, 19th century. - Mythology.- Ghost Scroll. Ge'ez manuscript in black ink on parchment strips. Three sewn-together parts. Ethiopia, 19th century. With three pen drawings in red and black. 157 x 9 cm. Rolled. Spirit scrolls were used for healing the sick and warding off demons and evils of all kinds. For a small fee, they were compiled by scholars known as Dabtaras in the Ethiopian and Eritrean Orthodox churches, according to ancient precepts. At the top of the scroll is a figurative depiction of an angel with swords, likely the Archangel Michael. In the center is a square composed of several quadrilaterals with triangles and eyes in semicircles, as well as a suggested face. A further drawing with geometric figures and eyes is located at the end. According to the previous owners, this spirit scroll was used by pregnant women. It shows corresponding signs of wear: somewhat wavy and creased, with a few damp edges; and a few wormholes at the beginning.