Abstract:
ABSTRACT Catalogue of a manuscript is one of the major research thematic areas in Ethiopic manuscripts. However, the work of manuscript catalogue is still unreachable comparing with the huge number of manuscripts found within different Churches, Monasteries, and private hands. Therefore, the present study was carried out to catalogue some selected manuscripts of Qäranǝyo Mädḫane ˁaläm church (QMC) in 2020. Mixed research approach and document analysis design were employed. The research area and the manuscripts were selected purposively. The data were collected through fieldwork and inventory. The data were analyzed in table, picture and narration. The catalogue of some selected manuscripts showed that all the selected manuscripts are recorded in an identical serial (registration) numbers tagged within the covers of the manuscripts. Also all some selected manuscripts are written only on parchment with Gǝˀǝz and Amharic language, using black and red ink. While, yellow, green and blue inks are used for painting purposes. The written area is divided through the practice of pricking and ruling between one and three columns. The ordering system is applied in the manuscript either partially or completely. Most of the manuscripts are 18th century hands. Half of the selected manuscripts are found, more than one handwritings and titles. Thus, they are multi-textual in their contents. Colophon, purchase note, ownership and donation notes also recorded in most manuscripts. The church of Qäranǝyo Mädḫane ˁaläm is one of the ancient church in Goğğam provision and rich in different manuscripts. This study is very important to unfold the overall information of some selected manuscripts for further studies. Finally, some manuscripts found in a hazardous situation. Therefore, the responsible body should play their roles to preserve such types of manuscripts via building the standard museum to secure the benefits of the manuscripts.
Keywords: Catalogue, manuscript, Qäranǝyo Mädḫane ˁaläm and Church