Dating from the 17th to 19th centuries, the manuscripts include Tamra Maryam (Miracles of Mary), Arba’tu Wongel (The Four Gospels), Sinkasar (Synaxarium), Drsana Arba’tu Ensisa (Homily of the Four Beasts), Mazmura Dawit (Psalms of David), Drsana Mikael (Homily of Michael), Arganona Wedase, and the Gospel of John.
Following their return, the Ethiopian Heritage Authority distributed the manuscripts among several national institutions, including the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Patriarchate Office, the National Archives and Library of Ethiopia, the Ethiopian Heritage Authority, the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at Addis Ababa University, Mahibre Kidusan, and Mekane Yesus Seminary.
These religious treasures are important sources for Ethiopian history, philology, religious studies, manuscript studies, art history, and heritage conservation. Their return creates valuable opportunities for professional documentation, conservation, research, and education.
The repatriation took place in the presence of Leul Ras Mengesha Seyoum aged 99 (picture). One of the manuscripts includes his genealogy.
Dr. Abebaw Ayalew, Director General of the Ethiopian Heritage Authority, emphasized the continuing commitment to recovering Ethiopia’s displaced heritage.
Deputy Director General Mr. Elias Shukur noted that, excluding this latest return, more than 67 heritage objects have been reclaimed over the past seven years.
Pictures via Alula Pankhurst
