Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research use.

Preferred Citation

MSS 16684, Book of Protection, In Syriac, Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library, University of Virginia Library.

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.

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.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Miniature books.
• Traditional medicine