The Mystical Tradition of Ethiopian (Tigrinya peoples) Healing Scrolls in Ethiopia

The Ethiopian Healing Scrolls provide us with a captivating glimpse into the ancient and intricate world of traditional healing practices in Ethiopia. Dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, these customized protective scrolls were intricately designed to interweave sacred imagery with textual prayers, all with the aim of shielding individuals from harm. The scrolls, prescribed by traditional healers, have played an essential role in Ethiopian medicine for over two millennia.

One of the most intriguing aspects of these mystical artifacts is their astrological significance. Much like in ancient Greece, each individual’s destiny and talismanic character were linked to their corresponding zodiac sign. As a result, the content of the scrolls was astrologically determined, creating a deeply personalized form of spiritual protection. The iconography of the scrolls alternates between talismanic “seals” and representations of saints, angels, and archangels engaging in battles against malevolent forces. These seals, based on the seal of God revealed to King Solomon, feature intricate geometric patterns intertwined with stylized representations of multiple visages and eyes, symbolizing prayers for divine intervention.

The purpose of these scrolls goes far beyond mere physical healing. They were believed to eliminate illness by purging evil spirits and demons from the afflicted person, making them an essential part of larger healing rituals. Crafted by the unordained clerics of the Ethiopian church, known as Däbtäras, the scrolls were commissioned to combat grave illnesses, providing a spiritual remedy to complement the use of plant and animal medicines.

Strikingly, the use of healing scrolls spans religious boundaries, with practitioners from Jewish, Christian, and Muslim communities in the northern regions of Amhara and Tigray embracing this pan-religious phenomenon. Despite drawing from Christian and Muslim traditions, healing scrolls have faced historical opposition. In the 15th century, Emperor Zar’a Ya‘eqob condemned the use of magical objects and diviners, a sentiment that persisted to some extent even in later centuries.

The intricate process of creating these scrolls is deeply symbolic, involving rituals where the animal substitute for the afflicted person and the finished parchment substitute for their skin, creating a profound connection between the scroll and its owner. Utilizing the 2,000-year-old indigenous Semitic language, Ge’ez, the prayers and protective words inscribed on the scrolls carry significant spiritual weight and are believed to harness magical protective powers.

While the use of healing scrolls has declined since the 1970s, these artifacts continue to offer a fascinating window into the rich tapestry of Ethiopian traditional medicine and talismanic art. The unique blend of astrological significance, intricate iconography, and spiritual symbolism woven into these scrolls truly makes them extraordinary artifacts of healing and protection.