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     MANUSCRIPTS and ARCHIVAL MATERIAL

Book of Protection, In Syriac

 Collection — Box: BW 42, Folder: 1
Identifier: MSS 16684

Content Description

The book of protection, in Syriac is a scarce and richly-illustrated miniature manuscript compendium of protective charms in Syriac. It contains prayers and incantations invoking saints and others for protection against fear, implements of war, sickness, lunacy, headaches, dogs, and the evil eye, wolves, snakes, scorpions, and much else.

It is neatly written in a single hand in black and red ink within red borders and contains 19 illustrations to the text. In contemporary dark brown with original blind-ruled goatskin over pulp boards, with a carrying pouch in contemporary leather with flap. It is a rare example of a Syriac book of protection. It shows how manuscripts can embody folk beliefs and serve as talismans. It also enriches knowledge of book history and Middle Eastern book culture.

Dates

  • Creation: early 19th century[?]

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research use.

Extent

0.03 Cubic Feet (1 letter folder) : miniature book manuscript

Language of Materials

Syriac

Immediate Source of Acquisition

This collection was purchased from Bernard Quaritch by the Small Special Collections Library at the University of Virginia Library on December 6, 2019.

Condition Description

Good

Title
Book of Protection, In Syriac
Status
Completed
Author
Ellen Welch
Date
2022-06-29
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Syriac
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library Repository

Contact:
Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library
P.O. Box 400110
University of Virginia
Charlottesville Virginia 22904-4110 United States