A protective amulet scroll in a cylindrical silver case, with a separate talismanic scroll

Amulets, written on leather or metal, have been worn worldwide for thousands of years. The practice remains strong in the northern Highlands of Ethiopia. These scrolls contain prayers for undoing spells, combined with talismanic drawings intended to cure sickness and to exorcise demons. Written on parchment, such scrolls are known as yä branna ketab (‘written on skin’). They are kept in leather cases or in silver containers, and can be hung up at home or worn around the neck.