Book of Protection, In Syriac
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
- 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
Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library
P.O. Box 400110
University of Virginia
Charlottesville Virginia 22904-4110 United States