34 of the scroll. A processional cross sits atop the Gorgon’s head signifying his piety. It can be surmised the Gorgon is in fact an angel masquerading as a demon. Scholars note the common inclusion of disguised angels to fool a demonic presence.5 The central section portrays two guardian angels that are unnamed, but could be Saint Michael and Saint Gabriel because of their association with guardianship of mother and child. Each figure wields a sword further signifying them as protectors. The lower right image contains three figures. The character to the left holds a processional cross and leans on a prayer stick. He possesses the features typical of a guardian angel.6 As with the Gorgon, these figures also possess exaggerated eyes. In addition, stylized eyes appear throughout the ornamental border, alongside other decorative patterns, and are a crucial aspect of the object’s protective power. It is through the gaze of the owner and the illuminated eyes that the demon is ultimately defeated. 7 Karena Bennett 1 Holland Cotter, “Ethiopian Magic Scrolls: Talismanic Art of Ethiopia,” New York Times, May 19, 2011, http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/20/arts/design/ethiopian-magic-scrolls-talismanic-art-of-ethiopia.html (accessed 1 Oct. 2011). 2 Jacques Mercier, Art That Heals: The Image as Medicine in Ethiopia (Munich: Prestel, 1997), 46. 3 Steve Delamarter, interview by Anne McClanan, 8 July 2011. 4 Mercier, Art That Heals, 99; Delamarter, interview. 5 Mercier, Art That Heals, 95, 99. 6 Delamarter, interview. 7 Mercier, Art That Heals, 94-95.
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