In a workshop in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, four writers wrapped in traditional white shawls sit in silent concentration, hunched over goat skin parchments, eyes straining in the dim natural light. Homemade bamboo pens in hand, ink pots by their sides, they are painstakingly writing out sacred texts in the religious language of Ge’ez – continuing an ancient manuscript writing tradition that has been practised in the Ethiopian highlands for millennia.Occasionally, an editor comes over to discuss corrections. In an adjoining room, a team of artists paint colourful scenes of angels and saints.View image in fullscreenPriest Ewnetu Kassaw, an experienced manuscript writer at Hamere Berhan, works on a parchmentElsewhere, craftspeople bind pages and hammer metal frames to decorate the manuscripts once they are finished, which will take months and in some cases years. Eventually, the texts will be shipped to churches and monasteries dotted across Ethiopia.I hope, in 1,000 years or more, people will find the books I wroteDawit Fantaye“We are trying to preserve the ancient ways,” says Ewantu Kassau, a 43-year-old priest who has been handwriting manuscripts since he was a teenager. “This is our heritage, our traditions.”These traditions stretch back to the Axumite empire, a sea-faring state founded in the first century with deep links to Arabia and the Greek-speaking Levant that converted toChristianityin the fourth century.View image in fullscreenA finished manuscript. Despite following ancient traditions painters now also draw inspiration from Google ImagesThe oldest surviving Ethiopian manuscripts are the Garima Gospels, a set of two illuminated texts, brightly decorated with purple, green and blue paintings and written in about AD500. Today they are closely guarded by monks at the Abba Garima monastery in a remote part of Ethiopia’s mountainous Tigray region. Dozens of other churches in northern Ethiopia, many of them cut into rocky mountainsides, hold manuscripts that are also more than 1,000 years old.The manuscripts produced by the Addis Ababa workshop, run by the Hamere Berhan Institute, could last just as long. “I hope, in 1,000 years, or more, people will find the books I wrote,” says Dawit Fantaye, who is writing a life of St George, a key figure in Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity.“For that reason, our work has to be perfect.”View image in fullscreenBlack inks are mixed from soil, barley water and crushed leaves, while red inks are enriched with wax from acacia treesThe workshop follows ancient methods, but with modern touches. It mixes black ink from soil, barley water and crushed leaves. The red ink and the paints are store-bought, but enriched with wax from acacia trees. The writers copy their texts from cheaply printed paper books, while the painters draw inspiration from Google Images.Each year, the institute gets through 3,500 goat skins, which are donated by locals after they slaughter animals on feast days. These are cured, scrubbed clean and dried on metal frames at another site on the southern edge of Addis Ababa, over which the smell of the skins hangs heavily.Since it was founded seven years ago, the Hamere Berhan Institute has produced about 315 manuscripts. They are made to order, but lately the institute has struggled to get them to customers. Many of these are religious institutions in regionsbeset by conflict, such as AmharaandOromia, Ethiopia’s two most-populous states.View image in fullscreenIllustrations are an important to convey messages for people who cannot readAs a result, about a dozen completed, red leather-bound volumes sit in a cabinet at the back of the workshop, waiting to be shipped.skip past newsletter promotionSign up toGlobal DispatchFree newsletterGet a different world view with a roundup of the best news, features and pictures, curated by our global development teamEnter your email addressSign upPrivacy Notice:Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. For more information see ourPrivacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and the GooglePrivacy PolicyandTerms of Serviceapply.after newsletter promotionWar crimes and rebel bishops: Christmas celebrations marred by bitter split in Ethiopia’s ancient churchRead moreThe writing process might seem serene, but producing manuscripts is demanding. The writers at the institute work 12-hour shifts, six days a week. They write in a dead language, which is not spoken outside church services and has a complex verb system. Just writing the word “God” in Ge’ez takes about one minute, says Dawit, a 25-year-old who spent 10 years studying calligraphy at a monastery.View image in fullscreenWorkers scrub, clean and dry goatskins at Hamere Berhan’s site on the edge of Addis Ababa“It takes a lot of concentration and effort, but I enjoy it. This is my way of serving God,” he says.This sense of religious mission is shared by Henok Desalegn, a painter currently illustrating the teachings of a 15th-century Ethiopian monk. “When I paint, it is like I can see the word of God,” he says. “And for people you cannot read, these images are very important.”There is no definitive tally of institutions preserving this ancient craft. Yonas Yilma, a manuscript expert at the Ethiopian Heritage Authority, has counted at least five workshops across Ethiopia, but others may be continuing the practice tucked away in remote churches and monasteries.View image in fullscreenWomen prepare finished manuscripts to be dispatchedThese days most church services are conducted using paper books, says Yonas, but handwritten manuscripts still play an important role on major religious holidays such as Easter and Christmas. With their rich illustrations, “they are central to Ethiopian art history and also our intellectual tradition,” he says. “If you want to study Ethiopian culture, the manuscripts are the primary source.”Yonas is confident the traditional practices will continue for many generations to come. “I can assure you, the Ethiopian manuscript tradition is very much still living,” he adds.View image in fullscreenFinished manuscripts are kept in a cabinet, waiting to be dispatched to churches and monasteries in conflict-hit areas of Ethiopia
Ink, angels and hard graft: the artists keeping Ethiopia’s ancient illuminated manuscript craft alive
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Ethiopian Artisans Preserve Ancient Manuscript Craft Amid Modern Challenges"
The Guardian
8.0
TruthLens AI Summary
In a workshop located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, artisans are dedicated to the meticulous craft of writing and illustrating ancient manuscripts. Four writers, adorned in traditional white shawls, focus intently on goat skin parchments, using homemade bamboo pens and ink pots. They are engaged in the painstaking task of transcribing sacred texts in Ge’ez, an ancient language integral to Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity. This tradition, which has been preserved for centuries, sees the manuscripts adorned with vibrant illustrations of angels and saints, crafted by skilled artists in an adjoining room. The manuscripts produced here are bound and framed, destined for churches and monasteries across Ethiopia. The workshop, run by the Hamere Berhan Institute, aims to maintain these age-old practices, as emphasized by priest Ewnetu Kassaw, who has dedicated his life to this craft and views it as a vital part of Ethiopian heritage. The manuscripts, some taking years to complete, are anticipated to endure for centuries, much like the Garima Gospels, which date back to around AD 500 and are currently safeguarded by monks in the Tigray region.
The artisans at the Hamere Berhan Institute utilize traditional methods while integrating some modern techniques. For instance, they create black ink from natural ingredients such as soil and crushed leaves, while the red ink is supplemented with wax from acacia trees. Despite the challenges faced, including logistical difficulties in reaching customers due to conflicts in certain regions, the workshop has produced around 315 manuscripts since its inception seven years ago. The writers endure long hours of labor, often working twelve-hour shifts, to produce these works of art. The manuscripts remain significant, especially during major religious observances, as they encapsulate Ethiopian art history and culture. Experts believe that while the prevalence of printed texts has increased, the handwritten manuscripts will continue to play a crucial role in preserving Ethiopia's rich intellectual and artistic traditions for future generations.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the efforts of artists and craftsmen in Ethiopia who are dedicated to preserving the ancient art of illuminated manuscript writing. It paints a vivid picture of the meticulous processes involved in creating these sacred texts, along with the cultural significance of this tradition. The piece serves to connect readers with Ethiopia’s rich historical heritage and the ongoing struggle to maintain these practices in a modern world.
Cultural Preservation and Heritage
The narrative emphasizes the importance of preserving Ethiopia's cultural heritage, particularly the ancient manuscript writing tradition that dates back to the Axumite empire. The artisans are portrayed not just as skilled workers, but as guardians of a significant cultural legacy. This aligns with a broader global trend of valuing traditional crafts in the face of modernization and globalization.
Community and Identity
By focusing on individuals like Ewantu Kassau and Dawit Fantaye, the article personalizes the craft and highlights the community aspect of this cultural practice. It suggests that these artisans are not only preserving a tradition but also fostering a sense of identity and continuity within their community. This can evoke a sense of pride among Ethiopians and those interested in cultural heritage.
Potential Underlying Issues
While the article primarily celebrates the art form, it could also be interpreted as a subtle commentary on the challenges faced by traditional crafts in the modern world, such as the threat of obsolescence due to digitalization and changing consumer habits. However, it does not explicitly address any socioeconomic or political issues that may impact these artisans, which could be seen as a missed opportunity for deeper analysis.
Manipulative Aspects
The piece does not overtly manipulate facts but rather presents a romanticized view of the manuscript writing process. This can influence perceptions by romanticizing the struggle to preserve culture without addressing contemporary challenges. The language used is emotive, aiming to invoke admiration for the craft and its practitioners, which could lead to a skewed understanding of the broader context in which these traditions exist.
Comparative Context
In comparison to other articles covering cultural preservation globally, this piece stands out by focusing on a specific tradition within Ethiopia. It may resonate with audiences who have an interest in arts and culture, specifically those who appreciate historical practices. However, it lacks a broader commentary on how such traditions interact with modern societal changes, which is often a feature in similar articles.
Economic and Political Implications
The preservation of such cultural practices can have implications for tourism and cultural diplomacy. As global interest in authentic cultural experiences grows, the artisans' work may attract visitors to Ethiopia, which could positively impact the local economy. However, this also raises questions about the commercialization of culture and how it affects the artisans' livelihoods and the authenticity of their work.
Support from Communities
The article likely appeals to audiences interested in arts and culture, particularly those who value heritage and traditional craftsmanship. It may garner support from both local communities in Ethiopia and international audiences keen on cultural preservation.
Global Market Impact
While the article does not directly reference stock markets or trading, the cultural practices highlighted could influence sectors like tourism and art sales. As more people seek authentic experiences, businesses related to Ethiopian culture could see growth, which may indirectly affect economic indicators.
Relevance to Global Power Dynamics
This article does not explicitly address contemporary geopolitical issues but does reflect Ethiopia's rich cultural history, which can be a point of interest in discussions about African heritage and identity in a globalized world. The preservation of such traditions can contribute to a nation's soft power.
AI Involvement
It is unlikely that AI was used in the composition of this article. The descriptive nature and focus on personal stories suggest a human touch in storytelling. If AI had been involved, it might have influenced the narrative style to be more analytical or data-driven, rather than emotive and personal. In conclusion, while the article effectively highlights the significance of manuscript writing in Ethiopia, it primarily serves to celebrate cultural preservation, possibly glossing over the contemporary challenges faced by such traditions. The overall trustworthiness of the article is high, as it relies on factual descriptions and personal testimonies, though it could benefit from a more nuanced discussion of the issues at play.