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Manuscripts
Psalter of David
መዝሙረ ዳዊት
The Psalms — the Dawit — are the prayer book of the Ethiopian faithful. Small Psalters like this were carried in a leather case slung over the shoulder and read daily. The volume also contains the Songs of the Prophets and the Song of Songs.
Why it matters
Reciting the whole Psalter is a traditional act of devotion, and learning it by heart was part of every church education.
Object details
- Date
- 18th century
- Material
- Parchment, leather satchel
- Dimensions
- 14 × 11 cm
- Origin
- Personal devotional book
- Gallery
- Manuscripts
Look closely
- Pocket format
- Leather carrying case (mahdar)
- Marginal notes by successive owners
Illustrative record — to be replaced with the church’s documented object and photograph.