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Sacred Music
Prayer Staff
መቋሚያ
During long services the clergy lean on the mequamia, a tall staff with a T-shaped top. In the chant it becomes an instrument: the cantors lift, sway and strike it on the ground in time with the music.
Why it matters
The staff recalls the rod of Moses and the shepherd’s crook.
Object details
- Date
- 19th century
- Material
- Wood with silver top
- Dimensions
- Height c. 130 cm
- Origin
- Belonged to a debtera
- Gallery
- Sacred Music
Look closely
- Tau-shaped silver head
- Used for support and rhythm
- Polished by long use
Illustrative record — to be replaced with the church’s documented object and photograph.