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• Introduction
• The East Asian Collection
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  • Papyri
  • Manuscripts
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Ethiopian

The collection of fifty-four Ethiopian manuscripts in the Library is small, but some of the volumes are of exceptional importance. Apart from illustrated gospel-books and psalters, there are examples of the most popular devotional works of the Ethiopian Church such as Praises of Mary (Weddase Maryam), Miracles of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Ta'amera Maryam) and the 'Effigy' (malke) of the Archangel Michael. There are also several fine examples of amulets or magic scrolls that were used against sickness or for spiritual protection.

The manuscripts range in date from the seventeenth to the nineteenth century. Chester Beatty purchased all but five on the open market at various Sotheby's auctions in London. A small number were purchased in the 1930s, but most were acquired after his move to Dublin in 1950, when he expanded his collection to include items that he thought would appeal to 'Catholic taste'.

Some books were added to the collection by bequest, by transfer from the National Library of Ireland or by donation from the late Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Dermot Ryan.

The collection is augmented by many fine printed books relating to Ethiopia (which show the early use of Ethiopian type): travel accounts (especially those of Jesuit missionaries) and colour-plate books depicting the scenery and costume of the people.

Ethiopian manuscript painting

Ethiopia is home to a vibrant artistic tradition which can be hard to categorise. In style, it is neither entirely African nor Coptic nor Western but rather a blend of all three. A striking feature of many Ethiopian manuscripts is the profusion of miniatures and other decorative features, such as headbands and borders. With the exception of the Armenian Church, such decoration is not so noticeable in the manuscripts of other churches of the Christian Orient. It was the beauty of these decorative manuscripts that attracted the attention of Chester Beatty.

These manuscripts show not only the vibrant artistic tradition that exists in Ethiopia but the devotion of a people who adopted Christianity almost 200 years before St Patrick came to Ireland. This deep-rooted Christian belief, as well as the natural fastness of the Ethiopian Highlands, has helped to protect and preserve the culture of Ethiopia. The paintings are crowded with images that seem both familiar and very different to the Western eye.

Publications

Cerulli, Enrico (1965) I manoscritti etiopici della Chester Beatty Library in Dublino, Memorie: classe di scienze morali Serie VII Vol. XI, Fasc. 6. Rome: Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei.