Join us for Beyond the Book featuring Ethiopian books from the Hill Museum and Manuscript Library (HMML). Visiting artist Islam Aly will also share his contemporary Ethiopic bindings for a rich and engaging conversation.

Experience bindings from hundreds of years ago and explore the traditions embedded in Ethiopic bookmaking through examples from the 17th and 18th centuries. HMML staff, Dr. Matthew Z. Heintzelman and Dr. Audrey Thorstad, will answer questions and demonstrate proper manuscript handling for a hands-on experience. 

HMML has been working in Ethiopia since 1973. Libraries across Ethiopia had the opportunity to have their manuscripts photographed onto microfilm for preservation and scholarly access. Completed microfilm reels were given to Ethiopian partners; around 7,500 copies were shipped to HMML for long-term preservation, cataloging, and scholarly access.

Alongside the digital and microfilm collection of manuscript images, HMML’s physical collection contains several handwritten Ethiopic books and scrolls. Explore historic Ethiopic bindings, in various conditions, and experience the creation of handwritten books that is an ongoing tradition in Ethiopia.