Abstract:
The calligraphic practice has a lot of contributions to literature art. The study aimed at
assessing the practices of calligraphy and its challenges in Andabet Woreda, south Gondar zone.
To achieve the objectives of the study, qualitative data was collected. Regarding the source of
information, the study used both primary and secondary data sources. In this study, focus group
discussion with two groups (five scribes in one group) was in use. This study used purposive
sampling techniques. Several experts have been asked to collect all relevant information from the
area, and the entire aspects of the art of calligraphy and its activities are clearly understood.
The researcher was able to obtain the following results, which allow for the prediction of the
future state of the practices of the art, after carefully examining all pertinent information from
those informants. The majority of the calligraphers’ responses indicated that Qɘne and nɘbab
are the required courses for calligraphy, while some of them required all of them. The majority
of respondents noted a decline in the number of pupils, and the main issue among the rest was a
lack of awareness. The researcher examined and discussed calligraphy techniques from the
educational system to writing tradition and its difficulties in the future. In the south Gondar
zone, Andabet woreda is renowned for having an elderly talented calligrapher. Each
calligrapher has unique abilities and knowledge on best working procedures for manuscript
books. The study discovered challenges and problems in practicing calligraphy, lack of
consistency, lack of raw materials, lack of skilled manpower, lack of awareness, lack of budget,
and weak promotional works. Furthermore, this study found that: lack of attention from church
members, and government bodies are also great to challenge. For these reasons, most scribes in
Andabet woreda leave out their work of scribing and substitute for other work.