Ethiopian Magic Scroll Depicting Archangel Michael with Ge'ez Script

Sword raised, wings spread, staring straight ahead. A protector does not look away.

This magic scroll depicting the Archangel Michael, with Ge'ez script, comes from Ethiopia, East Africa, and dates to the 18th century. It is pigment on vellum. Ethiopian healing scrolls paired prayers with images of angels and protective signs, and were commissioned by people seeking protection from illness and evil spirits, often worn or kept close. The angel wears a purple cloak and blue skirt, with barred wings of purple, yellow and black behind him and pointed red shoes below. One hand grips a long sword, the other a scabbard. The vellum looks frayed. Four inches wide by sixty-five high.

He has held his post at the head of the scroll.