This exceptional bible is written in the Ge'ez language, an ancient South Semitic language that originated in the northern region of Ethiopia and Eritrea. The bible was translated from Greek into Ge'ez in the 5th century. The boards are made of almond wood and the 272 pages are written and painted on goatskin. The wood and goatskin show some old restorations. Some pages have - probably contemporary - perforations. There is some scribbling and doodling on various pages. The binding shows wear due to age, but the pages are still fixed. The Coptic icons are a bit naive, but of an extraordinary quality. The colours have been preserved very well. The icons depict, among others, the Mother of God (Maria) with child; Maria and John the Apostle crying at the foot of the cross; the resurrection of Christ; Adam and Eve; Christ with staff. In the back there is a painting across two pages of 'the five women'. Dimensions: 17 × 11.5 × 6.8 cm. Originally purchased at Zoetmulder Ikonen.